A new COVID strain ‘Omicron’ has raised pandemic concerns in our country after WHO alarmed it as a variant of concern. As per WHO, existing coronavirus vaccines may be less effective against the new COVID-19 variant. However, as of now, there are no cases of the Omicron strain reported in India.
‘Omicron’, a new COVID strain first traced in South Africa last week, is now becoming a cause of concern for the whole world. WHO on Friday alarmed the countries after its classification in South Africa. The new strain of COVID-19 is spreading fast and has plagued almost all provinces of South Africa and has also been traced in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong and Israel.
The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health released a statement, The recently designated variant of coronavirus B.1.1.529 is of concern and has more mutations than science knows about other alarming variants. This new strain is more contagious than the previous ‘delta’ variant which was also a globally dominant strain.
India updates the list of ‘at- risk’ countries of this new COVID strain Omicron to prevent its invasion. As yet, India has not reported cases of Omicron but has raised a caution. The Centre has directed the state governments to increase screening and testing of all international travellers coming from ‘At-Risk’ Countries. The list presently comprises the UK, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.
Omicron is more active than Delta
Expert doctors have described the new variant ‘Omicron’ as very dangerous and lethal and said that its mutation is more than Delta and it is being transmitted quickly. If the infection spreads, the risk will increase significantly.
For this, the country has decided to trace the virus promptly. The Union Health Secretary directed associated health officials across all states and Union Territories to ensure strict Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate measures.
CM increased the pace of vaccination
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed deep concern over the sudden increase of Corona cases for the last 15 days and the new variant Omicron coming abroad. He instructed the officials to increase the speed of vaccination. Everyone should take at least both the doses.
