New Delhi:
Amid fears of a new Omicron version driving a third wave of COVID infections, the country today reported 578 cases of the new strain in the past 24 hours – a 37 percent increase compared to yesterday’s 422.
Overall, the country recorded 6,531 COVID cases in the last 24 hours, which is 6.5 percent less than yesterday.
The highest number of cases in the country have been reported in Delhi (142), Maharashtra (141), Kerala (57), Gujarat (49) and 43 (Rajasthan). The Health Ministry said in its bulletin that out of 578 omicron cases reported in the country so far, 151 patients have been cured or migrated.
The country’s active Covid caseload currently stands at 75,841. Active cases account for less than 1 per cent of the total cases, which is currently 0.22 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. The recovery rate is currently 98.40 percent.
Omicron cases are on the rise in the country in the wake of the wedding and festive season, prompting officials to curb public activities, which were eased after the number of cases decreased after a second wave.
Pictures of crowded markets in Delhi and Christmas celebrations in Kolkata have raised alarm bells and brought back grim memories of the second wave of the pandemic.
Delhi has activated a graded action plan prepared earlier this year to contain the increase in infections. Night curfew will be in force in the national capital from 11 pm tonight. The decision was taken after 290 cases were reported in Delhi yesterday. If the spike continues, there will be a yellow alert under which malls and shops selling non-essential goods will be closed and more restrictions will be imposed to contain the increase in cases.
Concerned over the escalation in cases, the Allahabad High Court has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Election Commission of India to delay the Uttar Pradesh elections and stop election rallies. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will visit the Election Commission’s office at 11 am today.
In a recent meeting to review the pandemic situation, the Prime Minister asked the officials to remain alert and vigilant.
In an address to the nation on Saturday, the Prime Minister announced that India will start giving booster shots to health and frontline workers and people above 60 from January 10. He also said that from January 3, vaccination for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years will start.
India has so far given 141.70 crore vaccine doses under the nationwide vaccination campaign.
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