iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
If given emergency-use approval, this would be the country's first mRNA Covid-19 vaccine like the ones developed by Pfizer and Moderna
coronavirus18 hours ago
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Covid-19: India confirms two cases of Omicron variant
Both cases were detected in the southern state of Karnataka
(Photo: AFP)
India on Thursday confirmed its first cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant in two people who travelled abroad, and a top medical expert urged people to get vaccinated.
India’s Health Ministry said the cases include two men in southern Karnataka state who came from abroad. It did not say which country.
Health official Lav Agarwal said all contacts of the two men had been traced and tested for the virus.
India has already classified at least 12 “at risk” and six “ultra-risk” countries in response to the threat posed by the omicron variant.
Travellers from those countries are being tested after they arrive in India. Genome sequencing is also being done to detect the variant. So far, India has tested nearly 8,000 passengers since Wednesday.
ALSO READ:
Balram Bhargava, the head of the Indian Council of Medical Research, India’s apex medical research body, urged people not to panic and to get vaccinated.
“Increased vaccine uptake is the need of the hour. Don’t delay in getting fully vaccinated,” he said.
Some Indian states have issued strict restriction guidelines for international arrivals as precautionary measures, including mandatory Covid-19 tests for those originating from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.
More than 56% of Indians have received at least one shot — 32% are fully vaccinated and 24% have received a single shot, according to Our World In Data.
After the emergence of Omicron variant, India has postponed the resumption of international flights from December 15.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) made the announcement on Wednesday citing the "evolving global scenario" in light of the new variant.
Last month, the Indian government had decided to resume international flight operations from December 15.
Scheduled international flights to and from India remain suspended since March 2020 following the coronavirus pandemic.
More news from coronavirus
The bank said Horta-Osorio resigned following an investigation commissioned by the board.
coronavirus21 hours ago
Many local governments have already advised residents not to leave town unnecessarily trips during the holiday.
coronavirus22 hours ago
The Telegraph reports UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to permanently revoke emergency Covid-19 laws
coronavirus1 day ago
The new law will require people to have a certificate of vaccination to enter public places like restaurants, cafes, cinemas and long-distance trains
coronavirus1 day ago
Britain has a backlog of around 5.9 million people awaiting cancer screenings, scheduled surgeries and other planned care
coronavirus1 day ago
All security measures along with thermal scanning of students should be ensured before vaccination
coronavirus1 day ago
The move comes as cases surge in the country
coronavirus1 day ago