As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the new Omicron coronavirus strain found in 63 countries will surpass Delta in spreading speed. “As of December 9, 2021, cases of human infections with this variant have been identified in 63 countries across all six WHO regions,” read the overview by the WHO, reported Sputnik
It is not clear yet, why the new strain is spreading so fast, the organization added. “However, given the current available data, it is likely that Omicron will outpace the Delta variant where community transmission occurs,” the document said.
The Omicron variant might reduce the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines based on preliminary data, but this strain is less dangerous than Delta, the organization assumed, reported Sputnik.
“There are limited available data, and no peer-reviewed evidence, on vaccine efficacy or effectiveness to date for Omicron. Preliminary evidence, and the considerably altered antigenic profile of the Omicron spike protein, suggests a reduction in vaccine efficacy against infection and transmission associated with Omicron,” the statement said.
UK returnee who arrived in Kerala has tested positive for Omicron, making it the first case of the new variant in the state. The concerned person had returned from the UK on December 6 after making a stopover in Abu Dhabi. He had tested positive on December 8.
After this case Total tally reach 38 in country. “An Omicron case has been reported in Kerala. A UK returnee from Ernakulam is the one who tested positive. He arrived via Abu Dhabi. He tested negative in the initial test and positive in a test done on December 8.
Also Read: Maharashtra to impose lockdown amid rising Omicron cases ! Uddhav Thackeray statement
All 149 passengers including the high-risk passengers who were near him on the flight have been informed,” Health Minister Veena George said. She further added that the patient’s condition is stable and there is no need to worry. “His wife and mother tested positive. They have been isolated. All steps have been taken as per central government guidelines.
All contacts have been identified. We are treading very carefully and there is no cause for concern,” George added. The report comes at a time when the state is heaving a sigh of relief after the massive number of Covid-19 positive cases went down. India’s Omicron tally has risen to 38 with the addition of Kerala. Hundreds of Covid-19 positive samples are also being genome tested across labs in India.
Comments are closed.