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Omicron Variant
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Rising Covid-19’s Omicron variant risks do not dissuade 58% Indians from travel: Survey
India’s travel and tourism industry was impacted between April and June as many families cancelled their summer travel plans amid the drastic surge of cases led by the Delta variant during the second Covid wave.
Omicron Variant spread to 89 countries, cases doubling in 3 days: WHO
"There is still limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron," the WHO said.
Sputnik V Covid vax effective against Omicron variant: Study
Based on the data the expected efficacy of Sputnik V with Sputnik Light booster against Omicron infection could be more than 80 per cent, the statement said.
Omicron variant may cause up to 75,000 deaths by April end in UK
The research is based on the assumption Omicron variant is less severe if one has been vaccinated, and also takes into account the current Plan B measures.
Americans urged to get vaxxed as 1st Omicron variant case detected in US
The Biden administration moved in late November to restrict travel from South Africa and seven other southern African countries where the Omicron variant was identified.
What vaccine makers are saying on protection against Omicron variant
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Omicron poses a "very high risk". The global health body said that scientists all over the world are working to understand Omicron, its risks and whether it causes severe disease, and vaccine effectiveness.
Blanket Travel Bans will not Prevent International spread of Omicron Variant: WHO
Geneva, Dec 1 : The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that blanket travel bans will not prevent…
Omicron variant symptoms ‘unusual but mild’, says South African doctor
The South African doctor who first sounded the alarm on the Omicron variant of the coronavirus said that its symptoms…
First case of Omicron variant confirmed in Italy
"The genome was sequenced at … Sacco Hospital in Milan from a positive sample taken from an individual coming from Mozambique. The patient and his family contacts are in good health," said the National Institute of Health on Saturday.
More than 30 cases of Omicron coronavirus variant identified in Britain
Britain registered 48,374 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 10,276,007, according to the latest official figures.
1st US case of Omicron Covid-19 variant reported in California
New York, Dec 2 : The US has identified the country’s first confirmed case of the Omicron Covid-19…
More cases of Omicron coronavirus variant detected in Britain
Britain registered 42,583 new Covid-19 infections, bringing the total number of coronavirus cases in the country to 10,146,915, according to official figures released on Monday.
Omicron coronavirus variant found in earlier test samples from November in Netherlands
The Hague, Dec 1 : The Omicron coronavirus variant has been detected in test samples taken in the…
Canada confirms two cases of Omicron Covid-19 variant
On Friday, several countries, including Canada, announced travel restrictions for southern African countries.
Netherlands reports 13 cases of Omicron coronavirus variant
The Netherlands on Friday suspended flights from southern African countries in an effort to keep out the new and potentially more transmissible variant.
Very few recombinant variants of Covid found in India: INSACOG
On the global scenario, the INSACOG said two recombinant variants - XD and XE - are being closely monitored worldwide.
Omicron drives surging Covid-19 cases in Nepal: Health authority
Nepal has been witnessing another wave of infections since the start of the new year, Xinhua news agency reported.
Sputnik V shows strong protection against Omicron: Joint Italian-Russian study
New Delhi, Jan 21 : The Sputnik V vaccine has demonstrated strong protection against Omicron variant, with over…
Covaxin booster can neutralise Omicron: Bharat Biotech
The company said that the neutralisation activity seen among people boosted with Covaxin was comparable to what has been observed in mRNA vaccine-boosted people against the Omicron variant.
Omicron wave to hit unvaccinated in Europe: WHO Regional Director
The WHO official also urged schools to remain open.
2 to 4 million Israelis to be infected with Covid amid Omicron spread: PM Naftali Bennett
Bennett has led a policy based on keeping the economy open while aggressively promoting vaccination.
Omicron can be more lethal for children than Delta: Experts
The experts said that the symptoms of Omicron in kids are majorly similar to adults like sore throat, mild fever, fatigue, etc.
Omicron not mild, Hospitalising and Killing People: WHO chief
Last week, the highest number of Covid-19 cases were reported so far in the pandemic.
T cells can aid in fight against Omicron if antibodies fail: Study
Even then, these mutations do not necessarily mean the virus will be able to evade the body's T cells.
Omicron Driving Covid cases, third wave in India, say experts
On December 31, India recorded 16,764 new Covid cases, up 27 per cent from the previous day. The average number of cases increased in the last week of December after dropping steadily since mid-May.
Sourav Ganguly had tested Positive for Delta Plus Variant of Covid-19
Though the former India captain has not been infected with the Omicron variant, his samples taken two days back returned positive for the Delta plus variant of the Covid-19
Turkey rolls out local Covid-19 vaccine Turkovac, amid Omicron surge
The hospital officials expect to administer 1,000 doses of Turkovac during the day.
Omicron may do good by replacing Delta from world: Experts
The early data from South Africa has shown that most patients are younger and the variant produces milder infections.
Omicron drives record-high daily Covid-19 infections in US since January
Washington, Dec 28 : The new Omicron variant has driven a winter surge in Covid-19 cases, hospitalisations and…
States can consider imposing curbs: Centre issues fresh advisory amid Omicron rise
Amidst initial signs of surge in cases of COVID-19 as well as increased detection of Omicron variant in different parts of the country, the Centre on Monday issued a fresh advisory to all States and UTs to deal with the pandemic situation.
Omicron up to 70% less likely to need hospital care: Report
The study also showed the jab's ability to stop people from catching Omicron starts to wane 10 weeks after a booster dose.
No ‘Delmicron’ virus yet, time to fight Omicron: Health experts
New Delhi : As the debate rises in India over a new Coronavirus strain being called ‘Delmicron’, leading…
Maharashtra: Dubai-returnee among 2 new Omicron cases, night curbs start
Intensive surveillance of passengers arriving at the three international airports – Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur – is currently underway since December 1.
PM calls for effective contact tracing, strengthening health infra amid Omicron scare
The PM said that teams should be sent to the states with low vaccination, rising cases, and insufficient health infrastructure to assist them improve the situation.
Omicron 3 times more transmissible than Delta, gear up: Centre
New Delhi, Dec 22 : New Covid variant Omicron is three times more transmissible that the Delta variant,…
Israel bans travel to 10 more countries over Omicron scare
Jerusalem, Dec 20: Israel’s Ministry of Health on Sunday said it decided to ban travel to ten more…
More than 10,000 new Omicron cases confirmed in UK
Khan said in the past 24 hours London had logged more than 26,000 new infections, the largest number since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Delhi Government designates four New Pvt Hospitals for Omicron Treatment
According to the circular, Max Smart Super Specialty Hospital, Saket, was directed to establish separate unit for COVID positive international passengers on December 1.
A runny nose and itchy throat? It may be Omicron, says study
"Omicron symptoms are predominantly cold symptoms, runny nose, headache, sore throat and sneezing, so people should stay at home as it might well be Covid.
Omicron will not likely affect India the way Delta did: Top virologist
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), "preliminary data doesn't indicate that this is more severe".
UK PM Boris Johnson warns of ‘Omicron Tidal Wave’, sets new booster target
Meanwhile, Health Secretary Sajid Javid on Monday, confirmed that 10 people in England are hospitalised with Omicron, with no deaths confirmed.
Britain raises Covid-19 alert level amid rising Omicron cases
The statement suggested people should continue to "take sensible precautions, including ventilating rooms, using face coverings, testing regularly and isolating when symptomatic."
Omicron: Booster Doses may be necessary in India: Virologist Dr. Shahid Jameel
Early lab results from South Africa and Us drug maker Pfizer showed about a 40- and 25-fold drop in virus neutralisation ability of the vaccine.
Miniature llama antibodies can tackle SARS-CoV-2 variants
New York, Dec 8 : Miniature antibodies called nanobodies, derived from llamas, have demonstrated therapeutic potential in the…
Omicron rears up in Maharashtra, 7 cases detected in Pune
Pune, Dec 5 : Covid-19’s new variant Omicron has gripped Maharashtra with seven new cases detected in Pune,…
9 of family test positive for Omicron in Rajasthan
Jaipur, Dec 5 : A four-member family, who had come to Jaipur from South Africa, and five of…
Market Forecast: Omicron concerns, MPC review to steer equities
Market Forecast: The Reserve Bank of India’s upcoming monetary policy review along with the release of key macro…
Omicron enters Maharashtra via Delhi as Thane man tests positive
In the past four days (since December 1), 8 passengers have tested positive for Covid-19 and their samples sent for genomic sequencing as a precaution.
Prepare for Omicron surge, WHO warns Asia-Pacific nations
A total of 10 persons suspected to be infected with Omicron Covid variant have been admitted to Delhi's Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP).
Centre clarifies on 3rd wave possibility after Omicron detection
"Hence vaccines are expected to still offer protection against severe disease, and vaccination with the available vaccines is crucial. If eligible, but not vaccinated, one should get vaccinated,"
Omicron Effect: Chorus grows against resumption of normal Foreign Flight Operations
New Delhi, Dec 1 : A chorus is growing loud in India against the opening up of normal…
France reports 8 suspected Omicron Covid-19 cases
As a preventive measure, France has decided, along with other European Union countries, to suspend flights from seven southern African countries.
South African President warns of 4th wave as Omicron spreads to all provinces
Ramaphosa said the Covid-19 virus, like all viruses, does mutate and form new variants. The likelihood of the emergence of more severe forms of variants is increased significantly where people are not vaccinated.
Not clear whether Omicron more Transmissible: WHO
WHO classified on Friday the latest variant B.1.1.529 of SARS-CoV-2 virus, now with the name Omicron, as a "Variant of Concern" (VOC).
Covid-19 may never become common seasonal flu: Finnish experts
Before November 2021, when the Omicron variant starts to rise, about 1,200 people had died from Covid-19 in Finland. The country's current coronavirus death toll exceeds 3,000.
Global Economy projected to grow by 4% in 2022, 3.5% in 2023: UN report
With the highly transmissible Omicron variant of Covid-19 unleashing new waves of infections, the human and economic tolls of the pandemic are projected to increase again.
Six Sri Lanka women cricketers test COVID Positive in Zimbabwe
The detection of the Omicron variant in South Africa has prompted some countries to tighten border controls and impose curbs on travel from several southern African countries, including Zimbabwe.
China could see 1.6 million Covid deaths if curbs are lifted
Health experts agree, but China analysts are also concerned the authorities have backed themselves into a corner with no political exit ramp for the policy without admitting failure
Kamala Harris tests positive for Covid as US struggles for normalcy
The Biden administration has been making a determined push for Covid vaccinations in a country where the preventive measure has been politicised.
Covid-19 still a global health emergency despite drop in cases, deaths: WHO
According to WHO Director General, the UN health agency is currently following closely a number of Omicron sub-lineages, including BA.2, BA.4 and BA.5, and another recombinant detected, made up of BA.1 and BA.2.
More US states lift mask mandates as Covid-19 infections plummet from pandemic high
Washington, Feb 24 : More US states are moving to lift their mask and vaccine mandates as the…
Ending mask mandate probably premature: Joe Biden
The UK is also planning to lift Covid restrictions as Omicron has peaked in the country. But experts have warned to remain cautious.
Turkish Prez Erdogan owes his swift recovery from Covid-19 to vaccination
Erdogan added that his wife has not yet been fully recovered and the infection is still on, but all kinds of precautions have been taken.
More US states plan ending mask mandates as Covid-19 cases drop
Statewide mask mandates for schools and indoor settings had been imposed in only a handful of states, according to a New York Times database.
More than 12 million children in US infected with Covid-19
More than 1.4 million child cases have been added in the past two weeks.
Daily Covid-19 deaths average 2,600 in US: report
Hospitalisations are down 23 per cent from two weeks ago at 121,600 a day on average, according to the US business news website on Monday.
Vaccine effectiveness of 99.3% seen in fully vaccinated: Mandaviya
"The latest data analysed and uploaded till January 2, 2022 depicts vaccine effectiveness of 99.3 per cent in fully vaccinated individuals against Covid-19,"
Will students in Delhi be able to return to pre-Covid routine in 2022?
A study by the Azim Premji Foundation showed that almost 60 per cent of school children in India cannot access online learning opportunities.
India’s Overall Economic Activity remains Strong despite Third Wave: RBI Bulletin
Besides, the RBI said that manufacturing and several categories of services remain in expansion mode.
US CDC Projects over 62,000 Covid-19 deaths in coming 4 weeks
The country reported nearly 3,000 new deaths from Covid-19 on Tuesday, a new high since mid February last year, CDC data showed.
WHO cautions against concurrent outbreaks of Covid-19, other diseases
"Let's be clear: while Omicron causes less severe disease than Delta, it remains a dangerous virus, particularly for those who are unvaccinated," said the WHO Chief.
Gujarat reports over 10K new Covid cases
Four Covid deaths were reported in the state on Wednesday. While two patients died in Surat, one each in Rajkot and Valsad passed away.
Nitin Gadkari tests Covid-19 positive
Gadkari has isolated himself and requested all those who have come in contact with him to isolate themselves and get tested.
PM Modi greets citizens on 150 crore Covid-19 vaccinations ‘milestone’
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated citizens on crossing the “milestone” of over 150…
Pakistan President Arif Alvi tests positive for Covid for second time
New Delhi, Jan 6 : Pakistan President Arif Alvi said on Thursday that he has tested positive for…
Third wave in Delhi: Doctors advise people to follow Covid norms
Goel said that while so far data on Omicron from South Africa, and the UK shows that it causes mild infections, it is yet to be proven in the country.
Covid to End up as Seasonal Epidemic soon: Experts
The Russian Academy of Sciences President Alexander Sergeyev also stated that the current Covid-19 pandemic will transform into seasonal epidemics starting from 2022, the report said.
Congress alleges corruption in new Excise Policy of Delhi, seeks probe
Bhardwaj also said that the two-day session was a sheer waste of public money and time, as the pressing issues of people's health, welfare and financial package were not discussed.
Over 100 Covid-19 Patients in Delhi need Oxygen: Sisodia
He urged the people to step out only when it is an absolute necessity after wearing a mask and to maintain social/physical distancing.
Over 40 lakh children get Covid-19 vaccine on first day
Over 51 lakh youngsters had registered on the Co-WIN portal till Monday 8.30 PM after the process started on January 1. An estimated 7.4 crore children are there in this age group.
New Year Eve: Subdued celebrations in Connaught Place
New Delhi, Dec 31 : The heart of the national capital — Connaught Place, which generally used to…
New nasal spray using blood-thinning drug to fight Covid developed
Importantly, this nasal spray should prove effective for all Covid-19 variants because the Heparan Sulfate binding site is essential for infection, and is likely to be preserved in new variants.
France tightens Covid-19 measures but no curfew for New Year’s eve
Paris, Dec 28 : France‘s Prime Minister Jean Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran announced a series of…
Only Covaxin to be administered to children aged 15-18 yrs
The vaccine option against COVID-19 for children in the age group of 15-18 years, who will be inoculated from January 3, would be Covaxin only, according to new guidelines issued by the Union health ministry on Monday.
Delhi adds 290 Covid cases, highest single say rise since June 10
New Delhi : The national capital on Sunday recorded 290 fresh Covid infections, which is the highest single…
Night Curfew to come into effect in Noida from tonight
A night curfew will remain enforced everyday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. starting Saturday during which no activity will be allowed except for essential services.
Vaccination for 15-18 age group from Jan 3, says Modi
“Those with comorbidities and above 60 years of age will be eligible for a precautionary dose from January 10, 2022 onwards on the recommendation of their doctors,”
MPC members agree on repo rate, differ on accommodative stance
"In this environment, it is no longer appropriate to stick to the monetary policy stance first adopted in May 2020 when the adverse economic effects of the pandemic were at their peak."
Citing Covid risk, 80 doctors plead with TN govt to stop jallikattu
Jallikattu is organised every year in January, in Tamil Nadu, as a part of Pongal celebrations. In the traditional event, a bull is released, and people try to grab its hump on and hang as it attempts to escape.
India Extends Ban on International Commercial Flights till Jan 31
The country had been operating Vande Bharat flights to many countries over the last one year to evacuate stranded Indians abroad.
Follow WHO advice, rescind Travel Bans: IATA to govts
New Delhi: The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called for governments to follow World Health Organisation’s (WHO) advice…
UK records more than 50,000 new Covid cases
The latest figures suggested that one in 60 people in England are estimated to have Covid.
US mulls tighter Covid-19 mandates amid federal court blockades
New York, Dec 2 : The Joe Biden administration is preparing stricter testing requirements for all travellers entering…
‘Multiple victims’ shot at California church: sheriff
"We have detained one person and have recovered a weapon," the Orange County Sheriff's Department tweeted about the church in Laguna Woods.
Is India on the verge of a fourth Covid wave?
India also recorded two cases of the new XE variant -- a mutant hybrid of Omicron sub-variants BA.1 and BA.2 -- one each from Maharashtra and Gujarat.
Maharashtra: For second day, Covid cases remain above 46K; deaths increase
The health authorities are continuing intensive surveillance of passengers arriving at the three international airports - Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur - since December 1.
Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba to reach India on four-day visit on Sunday
Any Nepali PM's visit to India is followed keenly, both in Kathmandu and Delhi.
Is India seeing Third Covid Wave as cases rise nearly manifold in days?
India had 75,456 active cases on December 28, 77,002 the next day, 82,402 on December 30 and jumping up to 91,361 on the last day of 2021.
Delhi sees over 1,700 new Covid cases, infection rate crosses 2%
New Delhi, Dec 31 : Delhi on Friday reported 1,796 fresh Covid cases, the highest single-day count after…
Disappointed with PM Modi’s unscientific decision on children vaccination: AIIMS
Before executing the plan, data from other countries on children vaccination should be analysed, said Dr Rai who is also also the President of the Indian Public Health Association.
Delhi to re-impose Night Curfew amid rising Covid cases
The curfew will be imposed from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Election Commission to discuss Covid situation with top health officials
An Allahabad High Court bench on Thursday had urged the government to consider postponing the Assembly elections in UP for a month or two and banning all political rallies amid rising Covid cases on daily basis.
Covaxin gets DCGI nod for emergency use for children aged 12-18
This makes Covaxin the second vaccine cleared for use for children in India. Earlier, Zydus Cadila’s three-dose DNA vaccine was allowed to be used on adults and children over the age of 12.
OPD and Emergency Services hit in Delhi’s Hospitals
New Delhi, Dec 17 : OPD and emergency services at leading Delhi hospitals, including Ram Manohar Lohia, Safdarjung,…
If PM Modi’s Twitter account can be compromised, are those of common man secure: Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury
Shiv Sena's Vinayak Raut raised the issue of unseasonal rain in Maharashtra and highlighted its severe impact as he requested appropriate relief from the National Disaster Relief Fund.
Health Ministry expresses concern over declining mask usage
New Delhi, Dec 11 : The Union Health Ministry on Friday expressed serious concern over the declining trends…
Entry of non-vaccinated people to be banned in Delhi
NEW DELHI : ENTRY OF PEOPLE WITHOUT COVID VACCINATION ARE LIKELY TO BE BANNED IN DELHI AMID NEW…
EU countries should discuss mandatory Covid-19 vaccination: Von der Leyen
Von der Leyen added that the EU's main Covid-19 vaccine provider, BioNTech or Pfizer, would have shots available for children in the bloc in two weeks, Xinhua news agency reported.
Bengal: Pre-board tests made mandatory for Class 10, 12 board exams
Kolkata, Dec 1 : The West Bengal education department has made pre-board tests mandatory for the students of…