Omicron in India: 3-yr old from Maharashtra tests positive, all cases mild

In its weekly press briefing, the Health Ministry said on Friday that all cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus that have been detected in India have shown mild symptoms.

Out of the total number of Omicron cases in the country, nine are from Rajasthan, three from Gujarat, 10 from Maharashtra, two from Karnataka, and one from Delhi. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary of the Union Health Ministry further said that there have been 83 Covid-positive cases in India among travellers who came from ‘at-risk’ countries, and of these, 13 were found to be infected with Omicron variant.

Seven more cases were confirmed by the Maharashtra state government, including a three-year old. Three of the cases were reported in Mumbai.

Vaccines and masks are important. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing, we should learn from it. We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level.

-Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog

“Surveillance, effective screening, monitoring of international travellers and health infrastructure upgradation is being done. States have been notified to increase their surveillance and actively test passengers arriving from other countries,” Agarwal added.

Since December 1, 93 international passengers have tested positive for Covid-19. "Of these, 83 are from countries that have been designated "at-risk" given the Omicron breakout and 13 from other countries," Agarwal said, adding that 59 countries have reported Omicron cases so far.

Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, said that regular meetings are being organised to keep a watch on global scenario and Covid scene in India with a focus on Omicron. "We need help to not spread panic. District level restrictions to be implemented where positivity over 5%," he said.

Dr VK Paul, Member- Health, NITI Aayog once again highlighted the need to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour. “Mask usage is declining in India. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important. As far as protection capability is concerned, we are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We should learn from the global situation,” he said.