Omicron Variant Updates: New variant spreads five times faster, says Union Health Ministry

Germany on Thursday announced a nationwide lockdown for the unvaccinated, as its leaders backed plans for mandatory vaccinations in the coming months, reported CNN.

According to new guidelines, passengers will either have to be fully vaccinated or should compulsorily carry RT-PCR Test negative report within 72 hours before boarding.

READ MORE | Omicron scare: Maharashtra govt revises Covid-19 guidelines for domestic travellers | Details

Nepal's Sudurpaschim province bordering India has launched preventive measures against the possible spread of the 'Omicron' variant of COVID-19.

The emergence of the Omicron variant in several parts of the world, including India, has reignited fears of the country’s health infrastructure being once again tested to its limits. Industry experts, however, believe that India is better prepared to deal with challenge.  "In that context, the question whether the medical device industry is fully prepared becomes important. Ventilators have proved to be central to Covid management and the medical infrastructure including the entire supply chain network are all ready to meet the demand in case of an adversity," Ashok Patel, CEO and Founder, Max Ventilator, said.

Increased COVID-19 vaccine uptake need of the hour, do not delay in getting fully vaccinated: Govt. 

Pfizer is working on an updated jab in response to the Omicron variant that could be ready in 100 days, according to the head of American multinational pharmaceutical giant, who said that people may need to have annual Covid-19 vaccinations for many years to come.

Two cases of Omicron found in India, both from Karnataka: Union Health Ministry

There is an increase in second dose of vaccination. Several initiatives were taken to increase number of vaccination across country: Lav Agarwal

Surge in cases being noted across the world on an overall basis, Europe reported 70% of the cases in the world in last one week. In the week ending 28 Nov, around 2.75 Lakh new cases & over 31,000 deaths reported in European region: Lav Agarwal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry

Southeast Asian region, that includes India and 11 other countries, reported only 1.2 lakh cases in last one week -- 3.1% of the cases of the world, said Lav Agarwal, Jt Secy Health Ministry, adding that a decrease in cases is being reported in Southeast Asia.

373 cases of Omicron Variant in 29 countries, says Union Health Ministry 

84.3 per cent of adult population in India got 1st dose of Covid vaccine, 49 per cent got 2nd dose: Govt. 

There is an increase in 2nd dose of vaccination. Several initiatives were taken to increase number of vaccination across country. Number of COVID19 cases increasing in Europe region, 70% of global COVID19 cases are reported in the region:Lav Agarwal, JS, Union Health Ministry

Kerala, Maharashtra have over 10,000 active Covid cases; nine states and UTs have active cases between 1,000 and 10,000: Govt.

Amid rising cases of Covid-19 cases due to the coronavirus variant Omicron across the world, Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on Thursday said four passengers coming from ‘at-risk’ countries — three from Paris and one from London — have tested positive for Covid-19. On Wednesday, four other passengers — three from Amsterdam and one from London — had tested positive for Covid-19.

Four passengers coming from South Africa to Mumbai have tested COVID positive; samples sent for genome sequencing. RT-PCR tests are mandatory for travellers from 'at risk' countries, in view of the new variant Omicron: Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar.

Four more travellers from “at-risk” countries tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport here on Thursday, officials said. Three out of the 243 people on the Air France flight that landed at the airport around 12 midnight tested positive for Covid, an official said. One more person travelling with 195 others on a flight from London was found to be infected with coronavirus, the official said.

It has been our effort over last six months to slowly increase flights, internationally as well...Omicron is a setback as all countries across the world need to be safe. Our govt has categorised 11 countries as 'at risk': Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia in Lok Sabha.

RT-PCR of every traveller coming from abroad is mandatory at the airport, in view of Omicron. 4 COVID positive travellers have been admitted to LNJP Hospital and 4 suspected are being examined. Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing: Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain. 

Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with States on airport screening and surveillance with Airport Public Health Officials (APHOs) and Port Health Officials (PHOs): Official sources. 

Tamil Nadu: New COVID SoPs have been implemented from December 1, as per which passengers on arrival from the 'at risk' countries will remain at the airport till their RT-PCR result comes negative. Random sampling will be conducted for travellers coming from countries other than the ones categorised as 'at risk'. The entire area is being sanitised regularly: S Dharmaraj, Director at Tiruchirappalli International Airport.

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia reported omicron infections on Wednesday, marking the first known cases in West Africa and the Persian Gulf region.

In South Africa, new cases of COVID-19 nearly doubled in a single day to almost 8,600, authorities reported on Wednesday, and the country’s National Institute for Communicable Diseases said omicron has now overtaken the delta variant among samples now being analyzed at the genetic level.