Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2 More Prevalent, Early Indication Of Covid Cases Plateauing: Govt

The government informed that 1,292 cases of omicron variant were found on genome sequencing in December last year, adding that number rose to 9,672 in January.

Representational Image

New Delhi: As India battles the third wave of Covid-19, the Central government on Thursday informed the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 is more prevalent in the country now.

National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) Director Dr Sujeet Kumar Singh said this during a briefing on the Covid-19 situation in the country, ANI reported.

The government informed that 1,292 cases of omicron variant were found on genome sequencing in December last year, adding that number rose to 9,672 in January.

READ: Omicron Sub-Variant BA.2: Everything You Need To Know About The 'Stealth Omicron' Outpacing Other Sub-Strains

The government said the active Covid-19 cases corresponding deaths is much lower during the present wave as compared to the earlier surges.

Asserting the precautions need to be continued, the government said the early indication of plateauing Covid cases have been reported in some places, adding this trend needs to be observed.

The government said the top 10 states in terms of active Covid cases are contributing to over 77 percent of total active infections in country.

The government informed that Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have been recording high number of Covid-19 cases.

The government further said that Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Odisha, Haryana and West Bengal have been reporting decrease in Covid cases and positivity rate.

“400 districts reporting over 10 percent weekly Covid positivity. 141 districts logged 5 to 10 percent positivity in the week ending January 26,” the government added, PTI reported.

The government said that a clear trend has been observed in terms of fewer Covid cases needing oxygen-supported beds or ICU beds.

The government also informed that 50 percent of adolescents in the 15 to 18 years age group have so far received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

The government further said 97.03 lakh healthcare and frontline workers besides comorbid people aged 60 and above have been given the precaution dose of Covid vaccine.