Omicron Strain

Union territory (UT) Puducherry reported first two cases of COVID-19's new variant, Omicron, on December 28. A 20-year-old woman and a 80-year-old man were reported Omicron positive, but details of how they got infected is awaited. "Health department personnel visited the areas from where the two patients hailed and are trying to find out weather they had a contact history," said G. Sriramulu, the Health Director of Puducherry. 

The Kerala HC, permitted online marriage to a lawyer couple. Ritu Thomas and Anantha Harikumaran decided to get married on December 23, but due to Omicron, Harikumaran, could not come from the UK. Ritu, after completing marriage registration procedure, moved the HC asking to approve online marriage. "I find no reason to deny the benefit extended to the other parties to petitioner and her fiancee," said Justice N. Nagaresh. 

Omicron cases are rising rapidly in India, taking the total to 101 cases, on December 17, said Lav Agarwal, the Joint Secretary of Union Health Ministry. "World Health Organisation (WHO) has said that Omicron is spreading faster than the Delta Variant in South Africa, where Delta circulation was low, ," said Agarwal. Furthermore, he lauded the efforts of Indian Government of vaccinating people and controlling the situation efficiently. 

On December 13, the UK reported first death due to COVID-19's new variant, Omicron. The UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed and said, "Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly atleast one patient has been confirmed to have died due to Omicron". Calling it dangerous, the UK PM urged people to take their booster shots as London has at least 40% Omicron cases.

Karnataka on December 12 reported its third case of COVID-19's new variant, Omicron. K Sudhakar, the Health Minister of Karnataka, said, "A 34-year-old returnee from South Africa has tested positive. He is isolated and being treated at a government hospital.'' His five primary and 15 secondary contacts have also undergone the test for the variant. Besides, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh also reported their first case of the variant.