Clinical protocol to remain same for Omicron too

Experts at India's top health research body said no change is required to the clinical protocol and home-based care in the wake of the emergence of the highly mutated Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

"Omicron doesn't not pose any new clinical challenge and that's why there's no change required in the clinical protocol and home care," said Samiran Panda, head of epidemiology and infectious diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Panda is also one of the members of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation that advises the government on the vaccine policy.

Experts at the ICMR have been reviewing the clinical protocol, following the emergence of Omicron.


"So far, the clinical information that is available based on the data in India and globally, we have not recommended any change in the clinical protocol," Panda said.

He stressed on the need for focussed home-based care. "Home-based care is going to play an important role because of the milder clinical presentation," he said. The country has reported 213 cases of the variant till Wednesday evening. Delhi and Maharashtra continue to contribute the highest number of cases.