Omicron Coronavirus Highlights: Here is Everything You Need to Know About

As we all must know by now, the Omicron variant is a variant of SARS-CoV-2. The genome analysis of a specimen of SARS-CoV-2 taken from an infected person in Botswana revealed a new variant, later known to be Omicron. The WHO has categorized it as a variant of concern. As the United States has already announced its first case (in December), India is getting a huge number of cases and is on the verge to fight it and stop it from spreading.

With rising cases of the Omicron variant, many states have tightened their security and stepped up on vaccination drives, surveillance of cases, and even containment measures for the patients affected. Although the active cases of the initial Covid, have decreased, there are more recent updates on the variant, and many have been more alarmed and alerted by the rising numbers of the Omicron variant.

Here are the recent highlights of the current scenario:

• India’s active cases at 94,742. Delhi’s cases cross 4000.
• On Monday, vaccination for teenagers has been kick-started in many cities.
• The Union Health Ministry announced that Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will be administered to eligible children in two doses 28 days apart.
• Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that Omicron is at least 3 times more transmissible than delta and hence strict and prompt actions are required at the local and district level.
• India has had at least 200 cases of the new Omicron variant till now.
• It is also informed that there is no evidence to suggest that existing vaccines do not work on the Omicron variant of Coronavirus and the spike gene may even decrease the efficiency of the existing vaccines.
• People are advised by the health ministry to stay vigilant and avoid non-essential travel.
• India to keep scheduled international passenger flights suspended till January 31.

The omicron variant is likely to spread more easily as compared to the Delta variant, it may be easily transmissible amongst people who are vaccinated as well, and anyone with the Omicron infection can pass it on to others. It is also more transmissible when compared to the original virus.

Some precautionary steps remain the same as earlier breakouts of the virus, Covid-19, and delta variants. Don’t lose the masks. Mask recommendations are N95, KN95, which can filter out viral material; it will also help in the prevention of normal sickness. Also, try to stay at home as much as you can. Don’t forget to sanitize your hands whenever you are out.

Footnote:

Be alert and follow the guidelines given by the government to avoid spreading the virus. Stay safe!