Confirmation Of Omicron Cases In India Wasn't Unexpected: WHO South-East Asia Regional Director

The Health Ministry said in the South-East Asian region, including India, only 3.1 per cent of the world's Covid-19 cases were reported in the last one week.

Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region (Photo Courtesy: ANI)

New Delhi: The government on Thursday confirmed two cases of the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus. The health ministry said that the two who tested positive for the new variant are from Karnataka. The centre has urged the public to get vaccinated as soon as possible and strictly follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.

“The confirmation of Omicron Variant of Concern today by India, the first two cases in WHO South-East Asia Region, was not unexpected in view of the interconnected world that we live in," Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia Region said on detection of Omicron Variant in India.

"Omicron variant has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning. Researchers around the world are conducting studies to better understand the transmissibility, severity, and immune escape capabilities of Omicron. WHO commends countries which have been able to quickly detect and report cases of the new Variant of Concern,” Dr Poonam added.

"Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures by governments, and strict adherence to preventive and precautionary measures by individuals, is a must. People must wear a well-fitting mask that covers their nose and mouth well, keep their distance, avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces, keep hands clean, cover cough and sneeze, and get vaccinated. And continue to take all precautionary measures even after getting vaccinated. All travelers must adhere to public health and social measures at all times and remain vigilant for signs and symptoms of COVID-19," Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh further said.

As per the Health Ministry, one of the patients found infected is 64-years-old, while one person is 46-years-old. The former had returned from South Africa. They have minor symptoms and all their contacts have been traced and are being tested, an official said during a press conference.

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Omicron Variant Detected In 29 Nations

The government stated that 373 cases of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in 29 nations so far and India was monitoring the situation.

"It is too early to assess whether Omicron causes more severe infection or less compared to other variants, including Delta," the official told the press conference quoting the World Health Organisation which has designated the latest variant as a 'variant of concern'.