Omicron: Mumbai buildings to be sealed if over 20% occupied flats have Covid patients

All schools in Canada's most populous province will be shut down and move to online learning because of a record number of coronavirus infections fueled by the ultra-contagious omicron variant, Ontario's premier announced Monday.

Premier Doug Ford also announced the closure of indoor dining. Gyms and cinemas will also close and hospitals have also been told to pause all non-urgent surgeries Ontario is seeing record new infections and there are concerns about hospital capacity.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has issued fresh Covid guidelines, says that the whole building or a wing shall be sealed if more than 20% of the occupied number of flats in the building or wing has Covid 19 patients

The vaccination drive for those between 15 and 18 years of age kicked off on Monday with over 1.50 lakh children being administered vaccine doses in the state on the first day, a government spokesman said.

Earlier in the day, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the vaccination drive for children at the Civil Hospital in the state capital and expressed satisfaction at the response from the eligible beneficiaries.

Two inmates and six staff members have tested positive for Covid-19 in different jails of Tihar. The last positive case detected was in July 2021, said Prison officials

No decision has been taken on the night curfew in Jharkhand yet. A maximum of 100 people are allowed in gatherings for weddings & funerals. Markets will be shut down at 8 pm. Chemist shops, restaurants & bars are allowed to remain open. Religious places will remain open, said Jharkhand Health Minister.

The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12.

Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and older, and federal regulators on Monday decided they’re also warranted for 12- to 15-year-olds once enough time has passed since their last dose.

In Chhattisgarh, 38 jawans of CRPF camp at Temelwada, Chintagufa tested positive for COVID19 during antigen testing. All infected jawans have quarantined at the camp barracks, said CMHO Sukma

Owing to rising Covid cases across the country, the Central government on Monday restricted the physical attendance of government servants below the level of under secretary to 50%.

South Korea says it has confirmed its first death related to the new omicron variant. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said on Monday that the deceased was in their 90s and living at a nursing home in the southern city of Gwangju. It says the person received a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in October.

Mumbai on Monday recorded 8,082 fresh Covid 19 cases, amid a continued spike of the infection in the city. Apart from this, 2 people succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours. 

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The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is “plainly milder” than previous variants and is putting fewer people into intensive care units (ICU), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday. During a visit to a vaccination centre in Buckinghamshire in south-east England, Johnson reiterated the importance of getting a booster vaccine dose to protect against hospitalisation with COVID-19 as the majority of those in ICU aren't "boosted".

Stadiums, bars, gyms, zoos, tourist places, schools, and educational institutions will remain closed in Jharkhand in view of rising Covid cases in the state. Markets will open till 8 pm, and private and government organizations will work in 50 percent capacity.

Local train services in Kolkata have now been extended up to 10pm in place of 7 pm from today, says West Bengal government

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Monday held a high-level emergency meeting to review the Covid-19 situation in the State. He has urged all the districts to be on alert and make all possible efforts to control the spread of the disease.

Eligible persons for the COVID19 precaution dose don't have to register themselves again on the CoWIN app. They can just schedule their appointment for the precaution dose from the same (CoWIN) account, as per Dr RS Sharma, CoWIN platform Chief.

Out of the 2000 samples tested from Cordelia cruise ship, 66 passengers have tested positive for COVID19. The authorities will decide whether to allow disembarking of passengers from the ship, said Goa Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.

The Mumbai Civic body on Monday announced that physical classes for standards 1, 9 and 11 will remain closed in the city. 

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Former Bihar CM Jitan Ram Manjhi has tested positive for Covid-19. Including his staff and family members, total 18 people have tested positive for the infection. All of them are currently in home isolation.

In Nagpur, a record 105 people have been found corona positive in the last 24 hours. This amount of daily cases have been recorded in the city after 7 months. Additionally, 12 people have recovered from Covid-19. A total of 3792 people were tested for the infection in the last 24 hours in Nagpur, including an RTPCR and an antigen test. At present, a total of 448 people are covid patients in Nagpur, while 6 are infected with the new Omicron variant.

Pakistan has recorded its highest number of daily Covid-19 cases since October 30, 2021 as 708 infections were detected during the last 24 hours, official data revealed on Monday. On October 30, the country reported 733 cases, Geo news reported citing figures issued by the National Command and Control Centre (NCOC).

Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Monday took a dig at the Central government and said, "Omicron came from outside India. Everyone knew it. Delhi govt repeatedly asked Centre to stop flights but it denied".

New Zealand reported 27 new cases of Covid-19 in the community on Monday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in the country to 13,934, according to the Ministry of Health.

Among the new infections, 12 were recorded in the largest city of Auckland, seven in nearby Waikato, seven in Bay of Plenty, and one in the Lakes region, Xinhua news agency reported citing the Ministry.

A total of 44 cases are being treated in hospitals, including five in intensive care units or high dependency units, a Ministry statement said.

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The Goa government on Monday decided to close schools and colleges till January 26 in the wake of a rise in COVID-19 cases in the coastal state.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who chaired the Task Force's meeting on COVID-19 on Monday, told reporters that the Goa government would also impose night curfew in the state.

Goa reported 10.7 per cent COVID-19 positivity rate on Sunday.

A total of 14 people including 3 police constables, who were to attend Bihar CM's 'Janta Darbar', tested positive for COVID-19

Ekta Kapoor has tested positive. She has asked everyone who met her to get tested as well. The producer is following all covid related protocols and is in Mumbai home quarantine.

A third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can provide up to 88 per cent protection against hospitalisation from infection by the Omicron variant of coronavirus, according to early results from studies conducted in the UK.

The findings compiled in a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) show significantly higher protection provided by third vaccine dose against the highly mutated variant first identified in Botswana and South Africa in November, compared to two doses.

Eric Topol, professor of molecular medicine, and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in the US noted that vaccine effectiveness drops to 52 per cent against Omicron around six months after taking the second shot of a COVID-19 vaccine.

However, a booster dose substantially increases immunity and lowers the odds of being hospitalised with COVID-19 infection.

Image shows students at a COVID-19 vaccination centre in Bhopal. 

Bhopal: Students at a COVID-19 vaccination centre

Two deaths in connection with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 were reported in South Korea on Monday. These are reportedly the first deaths in the country linked to the highly transmissible variant.

Health authorities in Gwangju, 329 kM south of Seoul, said two recently deceased coronavirus patients in the city, both in their 90s, have posthumously tested positive for the Omicron variant.

The number of hospitalisations due to the Omicron variant is a better measure to understand its severity than the traditional case-count of new infections, top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said.

Fauci has joined a growing body of experts who argue that case counts 'don't reflect what they used to', as data suggests Omicron is less severe but more contagious, the Guardian reported.

However, referring to the Omicron surge in the US as a "tsunami", Fauci also cautioned the public not to be fooled by preliminary data suggesting the variant lacks the severity of earlier Covid-19 variants, such as Delta.

Bombay High Court's principal seat to hear matters through hybrid mode (virtual/physical) from tomorrow

India has supplied another batch of humanitarian assistance consisting of 5,00,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine, Covaxin to Afghanistan.

Taking to Twitter, Bharat Biotech said, "Today, India supplied the next batch of humanitarian assistance consisting of 5,00,000 doses of COVID vaccine (COVAXIN) to Afghanistan. The same was handed over to Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul."

It also informed that another batch of additional 5,00,000 doses would be supplied in the coming weeks.

India supplies 5 lakh more Covaxin doses to Afghanistan

Vaccination drive for around 2.5 lakh children of Pune

Six people, who were in Patna to attend Bihar CM's 'Janta Darbar', tested positive for COVID-19, says official

As Covid cases continue to rise, India recorded 1700 new Omicron cases in the last 24 hours while over 639 people have recovered from the infectious disease. Here's the state-wise look at the data.

Statewise data of Omicron cases in India in last 24 hours.

Image shows Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar looks on as a health worker administers a COVID-19 vaccine to a teenager in Patna

Bihar CM Nitish Kumar at a vaccination center in Patna

With the Covid infection spreading fast, the state is facing a major challenge in imparting treatment to the patients because several health workers, including doctors, nurses and support staff in different government hospitals have been infected by the virus.

According to sources in the state health department, most of them either have been under treatment in the hospital itself or are in home isolation forcing the hospital authorities to run the health-care system with a skeleton workforce. The state health department data shows that at least 70 people, including the principal, several doctors and nurses in the National Medical College and Hospital -- one of the premier government hospitals in the Covid healthcare in the state -- are infected by the virus.

Pictures show Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath with teenagers at a vaccination center in Lucknow. India has begun administering COVID-19 vaccines to those between the age group of 15 to 18 years of age, from today. 

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath interacts with teenagers as they wait to be administered with COVID-19 vaccine

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath presents a certificate to a teenager on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine at SPM Hospital in Lucknow

Vaccination for children between 15 to 18 years of age underway in Delhi

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As Covid cases record an alarming rise in Uttar Pradesh, the Allahabad High Court has decided to function in virtual mode, both at Prayagraj and Lucknow, from Monday.

A meeting of the Administrative Committee of the Allahabad High Court was held on Sunday under the chairmanship of Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal, in which it was decided that hearings will be held only in online mode from January 3 due to rising Covid-19 cases.

Faced with fresh COVID-19 threats, the Karnataka government is considering more containment measures to control the spread of the virus and the state cabinet is likely decide in this regard, later this week after consulting experts. The government has already imposed containment measures like "night curfew" from 10 PM to 5 AM, since December 28 till January 7 morning, to control the spread.

"We are monitoring both COVID and Omicron situation, it is spreading at a very fast phase in the country, in the state and in neighbouring states, so we need to have a discussion with experts. In this regard I will have a discussion with experts tomorrow evening," Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters, he said, the cabinet during its meeting on Thursday will discuss the situation in the state and the measures that need to be put in place, and decide on certain long term measures.

Puducherry CM N Rangasamy launches COVID vaccination for children aged 15-18 from Thillaiyadi Valliammai Government High School in Kataragama

Vaccination for children aged 15-18 years in Puducherry

Omicron has emerged as a new threat. Everyone should take precautions against the coronavirus. Experts say Omicron causes mild disease in vaccinated persons. I appeal to all families to make sure that everyone in your family above 60 is fully vaccinated, says Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin

Vaccination program for children b/w 15-18yrs of age inaugurated in Bihar

Only Covaxin is approved for beneficiaries aged less than 18 years. Beneficiaries aged 18 & above are eligible for all vaccines. Validations have been put in place in the Co-WIN system to ensure that vaccination is carried out as per government policy: Union Health Ministry

COVID-19 vaccination for children in the age group of 15-18 years starts in Jammu. Visuals from a private school in the city

Flamboyant Mumbai all-rounder Shivam Dube and the team's video analyst have tested positive for COVID-19. 

Sairaj Patil has been named as Dube's replacement in a 20-member Mumbai squad.

As India started inoculating children between the age group of 15 and 18 on Monday, Kerala designated 551 exclusive vaccination centres for the teens. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram, State Health Minister Veena George said, "Out of the 1426 total vaccination centres, 551 centres are exclusive for children. Covaxin doses will be administered to children and we have installed pink board outside all the centres, which are exclusive children. There are over 15 lakh children, who are eligible for COVID-19 jabs in the State."

She further said that the State expects to finish vaccination of children in the next 10 days, adding that the Centre has provided 5 lakh vaccine doses last night and more than 1.40 lakh doses are expected today.

India has begun vaccinating children between the age group of 15 to 18. 

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West Bengal: Vaccination begins for children aged 15-18 years at Chetla Girls High School, Kolkata

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma launches COVID vaccination drive for children

Chandigarh: Vaccination begins for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years at Govt Model Senior Secondary School, Manimajra

Telangana Congress president Revanth Reddy tests positive for COVID-19

Number of confirmed Omicron cases in India reaches 1,700. Here's the state-wise tally

Omicron cases in India

Delhi: Vaccination starts for children in the age group of 15-18 years in Rajkiya Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Laxmi Nagar

"Omicron spreads fast but causes very mild disease. The virus has weakened. It is like viral fever but precautions are necessary. However, there is no need to panic." says Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

COVID vaccination for children aged 15-18 starts in Uttar Pradesh; visuals from Civil Hospital in Lucknow 

Gujarat: Vaccination for children aged 15-18 years begins in Ahmedabad

India reports 33,750 fresh COVID cases, 10,846 recoveries, and 123 deaths in the last 24 hours

Active cases: 1,45,582
Total recoveries: 3,42,95,407
Death toll: 4,81,893

Total vaccination: 1,45,68,89,306

1,700 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus detected across 23 states, Union Territories so far

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1,700 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus detected across 23 states, Union Territories so far: Union health ministry

A wine shop was sealed by the district administration in Delhi's Malviya Nagar on Sunday for flouting COVID norms.

A complaint regarding the shop not following the COVID appropriate behaviour (CAB) was received on Twitter, following which the shop was sealed by Hauz Khas Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM).

Bollywood actor-producer John Abraham and his wife Priya have tested positive for COVID-19 and are currently home quarantined

87 doctors at Bihar's Nalanda Medical College and Hospital have tested positive for COVID-19. All of them are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms and are in isolation on the hospital campus. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Twenty-eight new cases of coronavirus were reported here on Sunday, taking the district’s infection tally to 25,833, according to the data released by the administration. So far, 458 people have died from the infection in the district, which currently has 57 active cases.
According to the data, samples of 4,363 people were taken, of which 28 tested positive in the past 24 hours.

Till now, 25,317 people have recovered from the infection.

Passengers on the cruise ship MSC Preziosa had to wait more than six hours to disembark at Rio de Janeiro Sunday due to an inspection by Brazilian health authorities that confirmed 28 cases of COVID-19 on board -- 26 passengers and two crew members.

Rio's health secretariat said in a statement that among those who tested positive, people living in Rio or the nearby region can quarantine themselves at home. 

Others must first isolate in hotels, and there was no information provided about who would pay for the costs.

China on Sunday reported 101 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said in its daily report on Monday. Of the new local cases, 92 were reported in Shaanxi, and nine were reported in Zhejiang.

No new suspected cases or new deaths from COVID-19 were reported.

COVID-19 vaccination drive for beneficiaries in the age bracket of 15-18 years is scheduled to begin from Monday across the country.

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In a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kolkata Metro has temporarily suspended the issuance of tokens with effect from January 3. As per an order dated January 2, the West Bengal government has notified certain restrictions and relaxations in terms of the provision under Disaster Management Act 2005. 

Accordingly, Metro Railway, Kolkata is going to temporarily suspend the issuance of tokens from January 3 (Monday) till further notice in order to operate with 50 per cent capacity as per usual operational time.

Following this order, only Smart Card holders will be able to travel in the Metro as the Metro counter will only issue Smart Cards and the cardholders will be able to recharge their cards like before.

Over two dozen people were arrested in Amsterdam during a protest against COVID-19 restrictions; four law enforcement officers were injured, the Dutch police informs.

Thousands of Dutch protesters, unhappy with the new COVID-19 lockdown, defied a ban on gatherings on Sunday and organized a demonstration in Museum Square despite an order from Mayor Femke Halsema who declared the area off-limits to the public.

The Dutch police said in a statement after the protest that, at the mayor's request, law enforcement officers intervened and "a total of 30 suspects were arrested."

Israel has approved a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for people over 60 years old and medical staff, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said on Sunday. In a televised press conference, Bennett said that the fourth dose of the vaccine, developed by Pfizer, was approved by the country's Health Ministry for people over 60 and medical personnel who received the third dose at least four months ago.

The Rajasthan government has announced fresh restrictions in the wake of COVID-19 cases

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Chhattisgarh reports 290 new cases; active caseload at 1,273, positivity rate at 1.81%

Belur Math in West Bengal will remain closed for devotees and visitors until further notification, in view of the COVID restrictions

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has ordered officials to be extra vigilant amid the rising cases of COVID-19. 

In a statement, he said, "I've directed officials to be extra vigilant in districts like Belagavi, Vijayapura bordering Maharashtra, where cases are witnessing a surge. People should follow guidelines and avoid creating a situation that may force govt to impose lockdown."

The vaccination drive for those between the age group of 15-18 years will begin from today. In accordance with the prime minister's announcement, the Centre had sent across a set of instructions to states for the drive. 

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Mizoram reports 152 new cases; Active caseload at 1,732, positivity rate at 23.40%

Mizoram reports 152 new COVID cases

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J Austin III has tested positive for COVID-19. Taking to Twitter, Lloyd said, "I tested positive this morning for COVID-19. I requested the test today after exhibiting symptoms while at home on leave. My symptoms are mild, and I am following my physician’s directions."

Complete series of tweets below

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