Omicron spreading across the country at a faster rate than expected

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• Dec 17, 2021 | Sourav Boruah

The ‘ variant of concern - Omicron’ is spreading rapidly.

A total of 101 cases in 11 Indian states are detected so far.

 The Health Ministry of India issued a warning against the high rate of spread of the deadly virus in 11 states of the country. Moreover, it stated that 19 districts are at a very high risk of a surge in Covid -19 cases in the upcoming days.

The Ministry issued a strict warning notice in view of the threat of a third wave of infections. The ministry highlighted the need to adhere to Covid –appropriate behavior, which includes the use of face masks and maintaining social distance. The ministry requested the countrymen to avoid traveling unless it is urgent and to stay away from large crowds and gatherings.

The Ministry in its circular mentioned that India could witness devastating 14lac cases daily if the people do not take the necessary precaution on time. The Ministry released data on the progression of the strain in the United Kingdom which has already crossed the 11,000 mark.

Adding to the list, earlier in the morning, 10 more cases were reported from Delhi. The city has now 22 confirmed Omicron cases.

The city has recently recorded a sudden spike in the omicron hit patients. The 10 new cases were reported after a worrying spike in overall Covid cases in the city over the previous 24 hours.

The worst-hit state in the earlier wave of infections i.e Maharashtra has so far recorded 32 omicron cases which is the highest in the list of Omicron hit states.

Rajasthan is next with 17, and Karnataka and Telangana have reported eight each. Gujarat, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh have also reported cases of the new variant.

The doctors have reported a cause of worry earlier this morning that at least two of the Omicron cases reported from Maharashtra are young children in the age range of 18 months to 3 years old.

 The government has already urged states to step up surveillance measures and focus on sequencing positive samples in an effort to identify cases and potential hotspots.

New travel rules were enforced starting December 1, requiring foreign arrivals from countries deemed 'at risk' to submit to RT-PCR tests and, in some cases, mandatory quarantine.

Initial studies indicate Omicron is significantly more infectious than the Delta variant that wrought havoc in India and the world.