Karnataka reports 23 new Omicron cases

Karnataka on Friday reported 23 new cases of Omicron variant, taking the overall count to 66.

Of these cases, 19 are international travellers from the US, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

There has been a jump in the number of Covid-19 cases with the State on Friday reporting 832 new cases and eight deaths. There were 335 discharges.


Bengaluru Urban district reported the highest of 656 new Covid-19 cases, besides five deaths. The case fatality rate, however, is below 1%.

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday said the government has taken effective steps to contain the spread of Omicron virus, and has also been stepping up healthcare infrastructure including supply of medicines and adding new ICU beds.

Karnataka is among the eight states in the country which are witnessing a rise in Omicron cases, he added.

The government has already clamped night curfew up to January 7 on the advice of the Covid-19 technical advisory committee to prevent gathering of people.

The government, however, is expected to review the night curfew curbs after closely watching the infection trends as industries and other businesses have requested the government to relax it in the interest of the economy.

VACCINATION: The state government will launch a vaccination drive for 15-18 year olds Monday. While the government will open the campaign for registration from January 1 on the cowin.gov.in site, the actual vaccination activity will begin on January 3.