Omicron Strain

Amid the increasing cases of Covid-19's new variant Omicron, the Karnataka Govt has decided to establish a genome sequencing test lab. Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai, on December 7 said, "arrangements would be made to get test reports quickly." The State CM asked the Health Director Of Karnataka to supervise and ensure the arrangements be done soon. Notably, Karnataka is the first Indian state to report two confirmed Omicron cases.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on December 3, clarified about Covid-19 boosters and vaccine for children. Addressing the Lok Sabha, centre confirmed to go as per scientific advice. "The expert team will decide on vaccination for children and about booster dose," said Mansukh Mandaviya. The statement was made during a debate over Covid-19 situation, vaccine doses for children and boosters, amid the global threat of Covid-19's new… read-more

The Union Government on December 2 addressed media and confirmed that India recorded two cases of Omicron, the new Covid-19 variant, in India. Reportedly, two men aged 42 and 62 were tested positive for the variant in Karnataka, said Luv Agarwal, Union Joint Secretary of Health Ministry. The cases were confirmed after genome sequencing tests for Omicron. Furthermore, the primary contacts of the infected people are under supervision. 

Amid the Omicron scare, the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry announced to reconsider the resumption of international flights. Scheduled to resume on December 15, the international flight services have now been postponed. The Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will take a decision and announce the same in the due course of time. In addition, the DGCA and Aviation Ministry are closely monitoring the global developments of Omicron. 

After closing all its borders to all foreigners, Japan confirms its first case of the COVID-19 Omicron variant. The variant was confirmed in a traveller who recently arrived from Namibia at Tokyo airport of Narita, reported Reuters. Closing all the borders is being considered as the world's toughest precautionary measure. Reportedly, the closure of the border, welcomed by the public, will be in effect for at least a month.