Page 4 - Latest Updates on Omicron
XBB prevalent Covid variant in international travellers, show India's tests
Omicron variant blamed for 40% of all cases being reported in the US
 "XBB prevalent Covid variant in international travellers, show India's tests")
11 Omicron sub-variants found during tests of int'l travellers: Report
Of the 19,227 international travelers tested during the period, 124 were found Covid positive, they said, adding that all of them were put in isolation
 "11 Omicron sub-variants found during tests of int'l travellers: Report")
India records 188 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally drops to 2,554
The daily positivity has been recorded at 0.10 per cent while the weekly positivity has been pegged at 0.12 per cent, the ministry said
 "India records 188 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally drops to 2,554")
Omicron subvariants BA.5.2, BF.7 responsible for China Covid outbreak: WHO
The organization further said that a few other Omicron sublineages were also detected, albeit in low percentages in China; presently, no new variants of the coronavirus have been found
 "Omicron subvariants BA.5.2, BF.7 responsible for China Covid outbreak: WHO")
Maharashtra reports 16 new Covid cases, zero death; active tally at 140
The coronavirus death toll remained unchanged at 1,48,417. On Tuesday, Maharashtra had reported 22 COVID-19 cases and zero fatality
 "Maharashtra reports 16 new Covid cases, zero death; active tally at 140")
WHO worried about surge of Covid cases in China amid lack of information
WHO emergencies chief Dr. Michael Ryan said the testing protocols implemented by some countries were not a restriction against travel
 "WHO worried about surge of Covid cases in China amid lack of information")
Genome sequencing detects four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in Bengal
The condition of the four patients is stable
 "Genome sequencing detects four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in Bengal")
Boosters limit Omicron transmission in Californian prisons, finds study
The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, demonstrated the benefits of vaccination and boosting, even in settings where many people are still getting infected, in reducing transmission
 "Boosters limit Omicron transmission in Californian prisons, finds study")
Hong Kong's actual Covid count could be up to 200,000 daily: Researchers
Airfinity predicts cases in Beijing are likely to have peaked by now, with hospitalisations and deaths likely to peak in the next 1-2 weeks
Health Minister reviews screening, Covid testing facility at Delhi airport
"This arrangement is in practice with effect from 10 am on Sunday, January 1, 2023," the letter said
 "Health Minister reviews screening, Covid testing facility at Delhi airport")
No BF.7 Omicron variant in Tamil Nadu, shows genome sequencing report
The Health Minister also said that all the patients are recovering well after being in home isolation
China to confront multiple Covid infections with new Omicron strains
According to the South China Morning Post, the dominant strains in China so far are the Omicron subvariants, BA.5.2 and BF.7
 "China to confront multiple Covid infections with new Omicron strains")
India sees 265 new Covid-19 cases, 3 deaths; active tally at 2,706
The daily positivity rate was recorded at 0.17 per cent, while the weekly positivity was at 0.15 per cent, the health ministry said
2022: When India learnt to live with Covid as the virus eased its grip
The health sector returned to the old normal; the advice for 2023 is 'watchfulness and appropriate response'
India reports 243 new Covid-19 cases, active infections rise to 3,609
The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4,46,78, 158 and the death toll stands at 5,30,699 with one fatality reported from Maharashtra in the last 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am stated
China could face deluge of Covid deaths in new year without pandemic curbs
By the end of April 2023, China may see 1.7 million deaths from this wave of infections, Airfinity said
 "China could face deluge of Covid deaths in new year without pandemic curbs")
Daily vaccination rates in India surge two-fold amid global Covid scare
This despite an infection rate of about 150-200 cases a day; Vaccine makers say there are sufficient stocks to meet rising demand
 "Daily vaccination rates in India surge two-fold amid global Covid scare")
Karnataka makes masks mandatory in public places, increases Covid testing
State govt tells revellers to end New Year celebrations before 1 am; Centre readies for mock drills today
 "Karnataka makes masks mandatory in public places, increases Covid testing")
Statsguru: Covid-19 fears return; vaccination rates still low in India
Around 50 per cent of people over 60 years of age are fully vaccinated. Vaccination is significantly lower for the rest of the country
 "Statsguru: Covid-19 fears return; vaccination rates still low in India")
Travellers in a fix over govt announcement of mandatory RT-PCR testing
The rule applies to passengers arriving from five nations and calls for quarantine of infected/symptomatic flyers; travellers fear list may soon include more countries
 "Travellers in a fix over govt announcement of mandatory RT-PCR testing")
