Govt Says No Need To Panic On Detection Of Omicron Cases In India: Key Points

Omicron Variant Cases in India: The Health Ministry said 373 cases of Omicron variant had been detected in 29 nations so far.

The Omicron variant, first detected in South Africa, has been classified as a 'Variant of Concern' by WHO (Reuters)

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry said two Covid-19 cases of the Omicron variant had been detected in India and asked people not to panic. Both the cases have been reported in Karnataka in two patients aged 66 and 46, Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, said in a press briefing on Thursday.

The Omicron variant, first detected in South Africa and classified as a 'Variant of Concern' by WHO, has led to worldwide panic. Several countries have restricted travel from southern Africa and imposed other curbs amid reports that Omicron could spread even in vaccinated people.

The variant is a cause of concern because of its high number of mutations in the spike protein, which facilitates a virus' entry into the human cell.

Here Is What The Health Ministry Said On Omicron Covid Variant:

1) The two patients infected with Omicron variant of Covid-19 have mild symptoms. "In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted," Lav Agarwal said.

2) All the primary and secondary contacts of the two patients have been traced in time and are being tested.

3) The Health Ministry said 373 cases of Omicron variant had been detected in 29 nations so far. "It is too early to assess whether Omicron causes more severe infection or less compared to variants, including Delta," the official said.

4) The government urged everyone to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and get fully vaccinated without delay. "We need not panic about Omicron detection but awareness is absolutely essential. Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and avoid gatherings," VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog, said.

5) 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.