As Omicron Tally Crosses 100, Government Sounds Caution

India has advised caution, asking people to avoid non-essential travel as the nation’s Omicron tally now stands at 101 two weeks after it reported the first case of the new Covid variant.

Joint Secretary at Ministry of Health Lav Agarwal told the press on Friday that Maharashtra is currently the biggest contributor, with 32 reported infections.

The other infections are spread across 10 states—Delhi (22), Rajasthan (17), Karnataka (8), Telangana (8), Gujarat (5), Kerala (5), and one each in Andhra Pradesh, Chandigarh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.

'Cut Non-Essential Travel'

Dr Balram Bhargava, director general of the Indian Council for Medical Research, said the spread of the omicron variant is worrying and advised caution. "Time to avoid non-essential travel and mass gatherings, while focusing on low-intensity festivities."

NITI Aayog Member (Health) VK Paul said India must ensure that it doesn't see a Europe-like transmission.

"A new phase of the Covid-19 pandemic is being experienced in Europe with a steep rise in cases," he said. "We need to ensure India doesn’t see such kind of spread. Need to also prepare ourselves to face such situation effectively."