New Delhi: India has reported 7,974 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. The active caseload in the country stands at 87,245. The active cases currently account for 0.25 per cent of total cases, which is the lowest since March 2020. As many as 7,948 recoveries were recorded in the last 24 hours, which increases the total recoveries to 3,41,54,879. The recovery rate is 98.38 per cent, which is the highest since March 2020. 









The death toll stands at 4,76,478. The daily positivity rate has been less than 2 per cent for the last 73 days. A total of 66.02 crore Covid-19 tests have been conducted so far. 


As many as 1,41,80,42,210 vaccine doses have been provided to States and Union Territories as of December 16, 2021. 135.25 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive. 




The total number of Omicron cases in India is 73, as per media reports. In India, the Omicron variant has been detected in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala. West Bengal reported its first Omicron case on Wednesday, December 15. Tamil Nadu reported its first Omicron case on Wednesday evening. Maharashtra and Kerala reported four new Omicron cases each on Wednesday. The total tally of Omicron cases in Maharashtra has increased to 32. 


"The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is likely to see a surge in cases in January next year across Maharashtra," media reports quoted Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr Pradeep Vyas as saying on Wednesday.


A new study has found that Covid-19 vaccines, and especially booster shots, can provide protection against severe outcomes from infection with the Omicron variant. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has said that Covid vaccines may be less effective against Omicron. 


The Centre aims to fully vaccinate 65 per cent of India's adult population by the end of December, and will review its Covid vaccination plan after that, according to reports. The Centre will also review allowing booster doses and vaccination for children.