Given the collection of mutations in Omicron, which earlier individually have been associated with increased infectivity and/or immune evasion, and the sudden rise in number of positive cases in South Africa
Harare: Zimbabwean Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care Constantino Chiwenga has confirmed the presence of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the country. He has urged the nation to step up vigilance and adherence to Covid-19 prevention and mitigation measures to curb a fourth wave of the pandemic. “We are doing the […]
Hyderabad: Two cases of the Omicron variant of Covid-19 have been reported in Karnataka and fear has gripped the entire nation (read: world). And why wouldn’t we all be scared? The new variant is supposed to be five times deadlier than the previous ones and there have been discussions about vaccinations being ineffective against it. […]
Hyderabad: The Regional Director of WHO, South-East Asia Region, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh on Thursday said that confirmation of Omicron variant in India was not unexpected. The senior WHO representative said that the ‘response measures for all variants, including Omicron, is the same as that for SARS-CoV-2. Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures […]
Mumbai: India captain Virat Kohli on Thursday said he expects to get more clarity from the BCCI on the upcoming tour of South Africa in the next couple of days and does not want to be left “confused” following the emergence of the new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’. It is understood that head coach Rahul Dravid […]
New Delhi: New Covid variant Omicron doesn’t escape the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) test and Rapid Antigen Test, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General, Dr Balram Bhargava, said on Tuesday. In a virtual meeting with states and UTs on public health response measures and preparedness amid reports of Omicron variant in many countries, […]
Hyderabad: With new variants of Covid-19 being reported, the State Cabinet asked the officials to expedite the vaccination with special focus on Adilabad, Kumuram Bheem Asifabad, Nirmal, Mahabubnagar, Narayanpet and Gadwal districts. All the Ministers will conduct district-wise review meetings to ensure full preparedness of the Health staff and initiate necessary measures to strengthen the […]
New Delhi: Passengers travelling from or transiting through “at-risk” countries will have to undergo RT-PCR test on arrival in India and will be required to wait for the results before leaving the airport or taking a connecting flight, according to revised guidelines issued on Sunday after the emergence of the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. […]
It is essential that the disease surveillance network in the country is geared up for rigorous follow up of all international travelers from all countries especially countries designated as "at risk".