Two people from Karnataka tested positive for the Omicron variant of coronavirus, informed by the Union health ministry on Thursday. The first cases of the fast-spreading cases to be reported in India.
What did the Health Ministry inform?
Lav Agarwal, joint secretary, Union health ministry, said at a press briefing today, said: “Two cases of Omicron variant have been reported in the country so far. Both cases are from Karnataka”.
Both the cases are of two foreign patients aged 66 and 46, the health ministry’s joint secretary Lav Agarwal told, adding that their identities will not be disclosed for now to protect their privacy.
Mr. Agarwal further said “There is no need to panic about the Omicron detection but awareness is essential. Follow Coivd-appropriate behavior, avoid gatherings.”
Omicron contagious than other previous variants
It has already been suggested that the Omicron may be more contagious than previous variants, including the Delta. However, there has been no evidence of the strain any deadlier.
The Omicron variant was first detected in Southern Africa and since then it has spread to 29 countries, the health ministry official informed today. The Indian government has already implemented strict measures for international travelers to check the spread of the new strain. Those measures have come into effect from Wednesday.
