omicron threat

China has stopped issuing and renewing passports for non-urgent purposes to minimize travel, citing the recent COVID-19 and its Omicron variant surge. The passports for individuals who need to travel abroad for study or employment, stated reports would only be issued. ''It will issue passport renewals for individuals looking to travel abroad for leisure are false,'' said the authority. Notably, China took the step to clamp down citizens,… read-more

At least 20 healthcare workers of Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) government hospital, Delhi tested COVID-19 positive, on January 6. The Medical Director of LNJP Dr. Suresh Kumar said that 20 patients include 11 doctors, eight nurses, and one sanitation worker. He expressed concern and said, "If our workforce gets affected then it may affect our fight against COVID-19". Notably, the hospital hired 25% additional staff for COVID-19 patients. 

Amid the rising cases of Omicron, the Mumbai police imposed section 144 of the CrPC in the city, on December 31. The order issued by DCP (Operations) S Chaitanya came into effect from 1 pm and will continue till January 15. It restricts people from visiting public places such as beaches, open grounds, sea faces, promenades, gardens, and parks between 5 pm and 5 am every day. 

In latest development, senior citizens with comorbidities need not to produce prescription for taking COVID-19 'precautionary vaccine.' Rajesh Bhushan, the Union Health Secretary  on December 28, conducted a workshop with states and UTs, over the current Omicron and COVID-19 situation. He also asked the respective authorities to have designated centres for vaccinating citizens with comorbidities. Moreover, the special drive for precautionary… read-more

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on December 20, confirmed a 161 cases of COVID-19's variant Omicron in India. "We are monitoring the situation daily with experts," said Mandaviya, during the Rajya Sabha proceedings. He also ensured that the State Government has buffer stock of important medicines, required to handle the COVID-19 and Omicron situation in the country. He also said, states and UTs have 17 crores vaccine doses available… read-more