Omicron replacing Delta variant, say experts
New Delhi: India is witnessing a steady surge in Covid as well as its new variant Omicron cases. As per experts, Omicron has started replacing Delta variant in the country. At least 80 per cent of the travellers, who tested positive for Covid, have been infected with this new variant, thereby leading to conclusion that Delta is being replaced by the variant.
However, experts said a third of all detected cases were mildly symptomatic and the rest were asymptomatic. As many as 1,270 Omicron cases have been detected across 23 states and UTs so far, says the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.
"Omicron has started replacing Delta variant of coronavirus in India in terms of number of cases, " said official sources, as quoted by ANI.
Also read | Omicron patient dies of heart attack in Pune; fresh curbs in Maharashtra
The Central Government has urged 19 states/UTs to ramp up testing so that positive cases could be identified and isolated to prevent the spread of transmission. Notably, the first two cases of Omicron variant of Covid-19 were reported in the country on December 2.
The ministry has advised states and UTs to enhance testing, strengthen hospital preparedness, increase the pace and coverage of vaccination drive and ensure strict enforcement of restrictions to counter the spread of infection wherever necessary.
Also read | India reports 16,764 new Covid-19 infections; Omicron tally surges to 1,270
Ninety per cent of India’s eligible adult population has been administered the first dose of the Covid vaccine and 64.40 per cent people are now fully vaccinated.
As per the Union Health Ministry's data, 67.76 crore samples have been tested for Covid-19 in India till December 30, 2021. There are 3,117 Covid-19 testing laboratories, including 2,014 RTPCR, 941 antibody test, 132 CBNAAT and 30 others, across the country. The country has 204 firms making RT-PCR test kits, 53 making rapid antigen kits, seven manufacturing home rapid antigen testing kits and four are in pipeline. India's daily testing capacity is more than 20 lakhs.
-PTC News
