Omicron 5 times more infectious, mask universal vaccine: 10 points from health ministry briefing

Delta variant has been dominant in India since April 2021, the health ministry said, adding that a surge in Covid-19 cases have been noted globally. Seventy per cent of these have come from Europe.

The Union health ministry on Thursday confirmed two cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Two men from Karnataka, aged 66 and 46, tested positive for the variant on Wednesday, Lav Agarwal, joint secretary at the Union health ministry told reporters at a press briefing.

A healthcare worker checks the oxygen level of passengers arriving from other states, at Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai on Thursday. (ANI Photo)

He also said that all their primary and secondary contacts have been identified and are under isolation.

The health ministry official also gave other information about the Omicron, which since its detection in southern Africa on November 24, has spread to 30 countries (India included).

Here are the updates about Omicron and the spread of Covid-19 as informed by the health ministry today:

• As on December 1, 375 (two of India’s cases included) cases of the Omicron variant have been found across the world.

• The Omicron variant is possibly five times more infectious, and has increased transmissibility.

• “We should strictly continue to follow Covid appropriate behavior as a counter measure to protect ourselves from Omicron variant too,” said Agarwal.

• “Not fear but responsibility is the mantra we will take forward to face the challenges posed by Omicron. We will face the threats with science-driven, experience-driven, preparedness-driven approach,” said Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul.

• 'Mask' is the universal vaccine which will protect you from any variant from entering your body, Dr Paul further said.

• Delta variant has been dominant in India since April 2021.

• A surge in Covid-19 cases have been noted globally. Seventy per cent of these have come from Europe.

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

• Eighteen districts in India are reporting a weekly Covid-19 positivity between 5 to 10 per cent. Fifteen districts are reporting more than 10 per cent Covid-19 positivity, on a weekly basis.

• Around 49 per cent of adult population in India has been completely vaccinated with two doses of Covid-19 vaccine.