The Union health ministry announced on Thursday that two persons from Karnataka have tested positive for the Omicron type of coronavirus. In India, they are the first examples of the fast-spreading cases to be recorded.
The two cases of Omicron variant detected in Karnataka were done through genome sequencing by INSACOG consortium of 37 laboratories, established by the Union Ministry of Health.
“We need not panic, but awareness is absolutely essential. COVID-appropriate behaviour is required. All their contacts have been identified and they are under monitoring. The protocol is being followed,” Balram Bhargava, DG ICMR, said.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reportedly held a virtual meeting with representatives of states over rising concerns regarding the Omicron variant of COVID-19. While India has already postponed the resumption of international flight operations that was slated to return to normalcy on December 15, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told the Parliament that 11 countries have been categorised as ‘at risk’ countries.
