The new Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around the world and there is a chance that the same might happen in India, the government's Covid task force chief warned.<o:p></o:p>

As India’s Omicron cases tally increased to 101, the experts have warned that the rising cases in United Kingdom and France may translate into nearly 1,400,000 cases on a daily basis.<o:p></o:p>

"If we look at the scale of spread in the UK and if there is a similar outbreak in India, then given our population, there will be 14 lakh cases every day. France is reporting 65,000 cases. If an outbreak of a similar scale takes place in India, then given our population it will mean 13 lakh cases every day," VK Paul said.

<o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-spreads-across-the-world-with-uk-covid-19-cases-surging-to-a-record-high-437816">WATCH |</a></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/omicron-variant-spreads-across-the-world-with-uk-covid-19-cases-surging-to-a-record-high-437816/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Looking at the increasing Omicron cases in the country, Indian authorities are urging locals to avoid public gatherings, especially in large groups. Considering the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities, Paul has urged locals to avoid all kinds of unnecessary travel and at all costs steer away from parties and crowded festivities.<o:p></o:p>

"It is time to avoid non-essential travel, time to avoid mass gatherings, and time to observe low-intensity festivities and low-intensity New Year celebrations," he said.<o:p></o:p>

This warning comes as the experts fear that as per the data, Omicron may replicate the Delta variant, which caused the second Covid wave in India during summer 2021.<o:p></o:p>

"WHO has said that Omicron is spreading faster than the Delta variant in South Africa where Delta circulation was low. It's likely Omicron will outpace Delta variant where community transmission occurs, WHO added," said Health Ministry Joint Secretary Luv Agarwal.<o:p></o:p>

Currently, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of Omicron cases in India, and other states such as Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh also reporting cases of the new virus.

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

The new Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around the world and there is a chance that the same might happen in India, the government's Covid task force chief warned.

The new Omicron variant is spreading rapidly around the world and there is a chance that the same might happen in India, the government's Covid task force chief warned. As India’s Omicron cases tally increased to 101, the experts have warned that the rising cases in United Kingdom and France may translate into nearly 1,400,000 cases on a daily basis. "If we look at the scale of spread in the UK and if there is a similar outbreak in India, then given our population, there will be 14 lakh cases every day. France is reporting 65,000 cases. If an outbreak of a similar scale takes place in India, then given our population it will mean 13 lakh cases every day," VK Paul said. WATCH | Looking at the increasing Omicron cases in the country, Indian authorities are urging locals to avoid public gatherings, especially in large groups. Considering the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities, Paul has urged locals to avoid all kinds of unnecessary travel and at all costs steer away from parties and crowded festivities. "It is time to avoid non-essential travel, time to avoid mass gatherings, and time to observe low-intensity festivities and low-intensity New Year celebrations," he said. This warning comes as the experts fear that as per the data, Omicron may replicate the Delta variant, which caused the second Covid wave in India during summer 2021. "WHO has said that Omicron is spreading faster than the Delta variant in South Africa where Delta circulation was low. It's likely Omicron will outpace Delta variant where community transmission occurs, WHO added," said Health Ministry Joint Secretary Luv Agarwal. Currently, Maharashtra has reported the highest number of Omicron cases in India, and other states such as Delhi, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Karnataka, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh also reporting cases of the new virus. (With inputs from agencies)

Studying UK's Omicron trend, experts warn India could see 1.4 million daily Covid cases

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant.&nbsp;

Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37. 
&nbsp; 
Kerala's health minister said the person who was infected had arrived from the UK. &nbsp;Health minister Veena George said the person had tested positive for the virus on December 8 in Kochi.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-section-144-imposed-in-mumbai-second-confirmed-case-in-delhi-436012">Also Read:&nbsp;Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi</a> 
&nbsp; 
According to health officials, a vaccinated man who arrived from Italy was detected with the Omicron variant in Chandigarh. The man in Chandigarh is currently under quarantine.

Maharashtra has detected the highest number of Omicron cases so far with 18 cases followed by Rajasthan with nine cases.

Karnataka has detected three&nbsp;Omicron cases with capital Delhi reporting two&nbsp;Omicron cases and one each in Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh.

The variant was first detected in the country in Bengaluru after two people tested positive.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant. Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37.

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh on Sunday reported the first case of Omicron variant. Reports said Maharastra and Karanataka also recorded Omicron cases today taking the total cases of the new variant to 37. Kerala's health minister said the person who was infected had arrived from the UK. Health minister Veena George said the person had tested positive for the virus on December 8 in Kochi. Also Read: Section 144 imposed in Mumbai; second confirmed case in Delhi According to health officials, a vaccinated man who arrived from Italy was detected with the Omicron variant in Chandigarh. The man in Chandigarh is currently under quarantine. Maharashtra has detected the highest number of Omicron cases so far with 18 cases followed by Rajasthan with nine cases. Karnataka has detected three Omicron cases with capital Delhi reporting two Omicron cases and one each in Chandigarh and Andhra Pradesh. The variant was first detected in the country in Bengaluru after two people tested positive. (With inputs from Agencies)

Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Chandigarh report Omicron variant cases

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India. The new variant is believed to be more contagious but less lethal than the previous delta variant.&nbsp;

The first case of Omicron variant in India was reported in Gujarat when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar and tested positive for coronavirus. The second case was reported from&nbsp;Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai.&nbsp;

After this, 2 people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, the foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. The doctor has been placed under quarantine.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-achieves-new-milestone-as-over-50-of-adult-population-now-vaccinated-against-covid-434472">Also read |&nbsp;India achieves new milestone as over 50% of adult population now vaccinated against Covid</a>

Out of the 21 cases reported in India, eight cases are from Maharashtra, one from Delhi and Gujarat each, nine from Jaipur, and two from Bangalore. The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman and her two daughters, who have a recent travel history to Nigeria.&nbsp;

In Delhi, a Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital tested positive for the new variant.&nbsp;

As all Omicron cases reported in India are imported, it has sparked concerns if the country needs to impose stricter travel rules. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued new guidelines for international travellers arriving in India.&nbsp;

As per these guidelines, all travellers are required to submit their travel details of 14 days. Also, the travellers will be required to upload their negative RT-PCR test report on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey. Also, every international traveller needs to fill a self-declaration form.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=hysteria+synonym&amp;oq=hysteria+synonym+&amp;aqs=chrome.0.0i512l3j0i22i30l6j0i390.2579j0j7&amp;sourceid=chrome&amp;ie=UTF-8">Also read |&nbsp;Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21</a>

Amid fears of a potential third wave with a rising number of cases, India's Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the government is prepared to fully address any crisis that may come. He further said that the government is taking all necessary steps to stop the growing cases of Omicron variant.&nbsp;

The head of India’s Covid task force, Dr V K Paul said that the vaccine manufacturers are currently examining the vaccine efficacy against Omicron. With this, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”.

While the entire globe is dreading the spread of this new variant, the World Health Organization and experts&nbsp;believe that the variant is only 'super mild'. Chair of the South African Medical Association, Dr Angelique Coetzee said that the&nbsp;reaction was not justified. The WHO also warned the governments against creating panic.

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India.

The new variant of Covid, Omicron, is rapidly spreading in India. The nation has reported a total of 21 cases so far. However, all of these cases are imported, meaning, they have been brought from outside nations and have not emerged in India. The new variant is believed to be more contagious but less lethal than the previous delta variant. The first case of Omicron variant in India was reported in Gujarat when a 72-year-old Zimbabwe resident travelled to Jamnagar and tested positive for coronavirus. The second case was reported from Maharashtra state. The person infected by the strain returned from South Africa to Kalyan Dombivali municipal area near Mumbai. After this, 2 people, including, a 66-year-old South African national and an Indian doctor, tested positive for the new strain in Bengaluru, Karnataka. However, the foreigner somehow managed to escape from India. The doctor has been placed under quarantine. Also read | India achieves new milestone as over 50% of adult population now vaccinated against Covid Out of the 21 cases reported in India, eight cases are from Maharashtra, one from Delhi and Gujarat each, nine from Jaipur, and two from Bangalore. The new cases in Maharashtra include a woman and her two daughters, who have a recent travel history to Nigeria. In Delhi, a Tanzanian returnee who had been admitted to a local hospital tested positive for the new variant. As all Omicron cases reported in India are imported, it has sparked concerns if the country needs to impose stricter travel rules. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had issued new guidelines for international travellers arriving in India. As per these guidelines, all travellers are required to submit their travel details of 14 days. Also, the travellers will be required to upload their negative RT-PCR test report on the Air Suvidha portal before the journey. Also, every international traveller needs to fill a self-declaration form. Also read | Covid: India reports 16 new cases of Omicron variant, tally rises to 21 Amid fears of a potential third wave with a rising number of cases, India's Union Minister for Health Mansukh Mandaviya has said that the government is prepared to fully address any crisis that may come. He further said that the government is taking all necessary steps to stop the growing cases of Omicron variant. The head of India’s Covid task force, Dr V K Paul said that the vaccine manufacturers are currently examining the vaccine efficacy against Omicron. With this, he said that vaccination remains “the most critical tool”. While the entire globe is dreading the spread of this new variant, the World Health Organization and experts believe that the variant is only 'super mild'. Chair of the South African Medical Association, Dr Angelique Coetzee said that the reaction was not justified. The WHO also warned the governments against creating panic.

Covid in India: Omicron rises but all cases reported so far are imported from other nations

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe?<o:p></o:p>

Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective.<o:p></o:p>

However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising.<o:p></o:p>

Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries.<o:p></o:p>

A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever.<o:p></o:p>

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What is India's omicron strategy? &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></h2>

If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions.<o:p></o:p>

The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022.<o:p></o:p>

At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases.<o:p></o:p>

Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Super-spreader events</o:p></h3>

It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous.<o:p></o:p>

So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately.

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Genome sequencing</o:p></h3>

The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level.<o:p></o:p>

According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind?

<h3 class="MsoNormal"><o:p>Stringency</o:p></h3>

The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules.<o:p></o:p>

According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK.<o:p></o:p>

India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.<o:p></o:p>

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd.

It's been two weeks since the omicron variant was first detected and there is still no consensus on where it first emerged — Africa or Europe? Scientists are split on its origin, but what they agree on is that this variant is odd. It doesn't resemble any previous variants and has the highest number of mutations, which could make it more transmissible, cause a more severe infection and even render vaccines ineffective. However, these are just hypotheses that are yet to be proven. While scientists are still debating these possibilities, the cases, meanwhile, are rising. Last Friday, 23 countries had detected the omicron variant and as of today, this variant has spread to 38 countries. A few days ago, India discovered its first two cases of omicron in Karnataka and three days later the variant has spread to three other states and the national capital — eight cases have been reported in Maharashtra, nine in Rajasthan, one each in Gujarat and New Delhi. Most of those infected recently travelled abroad but there are also some with no travel history whatsoever. What is India's omicron strategy? If the second wave has taught us anything, it is that you cannot prepare enough and India cannot look at other countries to decide its pandemic response; it needs its own strategy and solutions. The India government has prepared a list of ‘at-risk’ countries even though international flights are still operational in India. Travellers from these countries will be strictly monitored and all positive cases will be isolated, and then sent for genome sequencing to find out if they have the omicron variant. Meanwhile, the government has decided to put all public events on hold till January 15, 2022. At the same time, New Delhi has strictly ruled out imposing a lockdown. Dr VK Paul, the head of India's COVID-19 task force, has categorically said that imposing a lockdown is not yet required. Instead, the government’s aim will be to test, track and treat all new cases. Until we find out how dangerous this variant really is, India will have to remain consistent in its response and focus on improving in some key areas. Super-spreader events It can start by putting an end to gatherings that could turn out to be super-spreader events, such as election rallies. At least five states are going to polls next year and election rallies have already begun, crowds are turning up in large numbers. It's almost like déjà vu. Last year, too, several states went to polls during which huge rallies were held. In the end, the outcome was disastrous. So, should election rallies continue the way they are or is there a need to tone them down by reducing the number of people attending? The election commission needs to take a call immediately. Genome sequencing The second area of concern is genome sequencing — a process used to track how the virus is mutating or multiplying. India is doing more on this front but it still performs poorly on a global level. According to one report, it has sampled just 0.2 per cent of its total cases, which is a measly figure. Denmark has conducted genome sequencing of 46 per cent of its cases, Australia has 21 per cent, UK 12 per cent and Switzerland nine per cent. So, why is India, which just recovered from a deadly second wave, lagging behind? Stringency The third area where India needs to improve is stringency. Announcing restrictions and social distancing measures won't be enough. India will have to be more stringent in executing them and will have to strictly follow up on whether people are following those rules. According to the Oxford government response tracker, India, the second most populous country in the world, has a stringency index of 45.8, which is lower than China, Germany, Indonesia and the UK. India will have to be stricter in the days ahead if it wants to stop omicron from spreading. New Delhi India will have to revisit all the challenges it faced during the second wave this past summer, re-haul its approach, chalk out new strategies and be equipped on all fronts.

As Omicron variant of Covid spreads, is India really ready this time?

As the Omicron virus cases continue to spread, South Korea detected new variant cases in flights from Nigeria as it battles the virus surge in the country.

Reports claim South Korea reported over 5,000 coronavirus cases&nbsp;on Wednesday worrying health officials.&nbsp;The authorities had earlier begun easing COVID-19 restrictions however the government has decided to keep the remaining restrictions in place due to the threat posed by the Omicron variant.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conservative-anti-vaxxer-broadcaster-marcus-lamb-dies-of-covid-433262">Also Read:&nbsp;Conservative anti-vaxxer broadcaster Marcus Lamb dies of Covid</a>

Latest reports claimed authorities had detected five people with the Omicron variant who had visited Nigeria.

The Korean health agency said the passengers were detected with the virus and later confirmed they had contacted the new variant after genetic sequencing tests were carried out.

Watch:&nbsp;Omicron scare: OPEC+ begin talks amid oil price rout

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Authorities tightened restrictions after new Omicron variants were found. Direct flights to Ethiopia was suspended for two weeks with air travellers to be tested for the new variant.

Further restrictions include strict quarantine for travellers for ten days including South Korean nationals even if they are fully vaccinated. The country has also reportedly stopped issuing visas for non-nationals from eight African countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/debate-over-new-covid-variant-omicrons-pronunciation-begins-433191">Also Read:&nbsp;Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins</a>

Reports say capital Seoul has been witnessing a surge in cases with most intensive care units occupied although the country has already inoculated nearly 92 per cent of its adult population.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

As the Omicron virus cases continue to spread, South Korea detected new variant cases in flights from Nigeria as it battles the virus surge in the country. Reports claim South Korea reported over 5,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday worrying health officials.

As the Omicron virus cases continue to spread, South Korea detected new variant cases in flights from Nigeria as it battles the virus surge in the country. Reports claim South Korea reported over 5,000 coronavirus cases on Wednesday worrying health officials. The authorities had earlier begun easing COVID-19 restrictions however the government has decided to keep the remaining restrictions in place due to the threat posed by the Omicron variant. Also Read: Conservative anti-vaxxer broadcaster Marcus Lamb dies of Covid Latest reports claimed authorities had detected five people with the Omicron variant who had visited Nigeria. The Korean health agency said the passengers were detected with the virus and later confirmed they had contacted the new variant after genetic sequencing tests were carried out. Watch: Omicron scare: OPEC+ begin talks amid oil price rout Authorities tightened restrictions after new Omicron variants were found. Direct flights to Ethiopia was suspended for two weeks with air travellers to be tested for the new variant. Further restrictions include strict quarantine for travellers for ten days including South Korean nationals even if they are fully vaccinated. The country has also reportedly stopped issuing visas for non-nationals from eight African countries. Also Read: Debate over new Covid variant Omicron’s pronunciation begins Reports say capital Seoul has been witnessing a surge in cases with most intensive care units occupied although the country has already inoculated nearly 92 per cent of its adult population. (With inputs from Agencies)

Amid surge in COVID-19, South Korea detects Omicron cases in Nigeria flights

India on Wednesday decided to postpone resuming international flight operations which were due to start from December 15.

The country had suspended international flights&nbsp;in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic began to surge worldwide.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-experts-studying-scientific-reports-on-need-for-covid-booster-dose-says-govt-433030">Also Read:&nbsp;Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt</a>

The Indian government had decided to allow international flight operations last week.

However, after the Omicron variant cases were reported in several countries in the few days, India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said due to the "evolving global scenario" the decision has been postponed.

The DGCA said an "appropriate decision" on a new date for the resumption of international flights will be announced in due course without setting a timeline. International flights have been operating through the "air bubble" agreement between governments of various countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/omicron-update-live-france-to-allow-southern-african-flights-to-land-from-saturday-433212">Also Read:&nbsp;Omicron update LIVE: Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron</a>&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier asked officials to review the plans for easing international travel restrictions as nations worldwide moved to impose travel ban on South Africa and other southern African countries.

Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told Parliament that in "view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of concern the situation" the situation is being closely monitored.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016">Also Read:&nbsp;Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute</a>

The minister added any further decision will be taken after consultation with other ministries

Meanwhile, reports said&nbsp;Mumbai airport authorities have&nbsp;put the new coronavirus guidelines in place for international passengers as authorities began taking steps to detect the new variant.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

India on Wednesday decided to postpone resuming international flight operations which were due to start from December 15. The country had suspended international flights in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic began to surge worldwide.

India on Wednesday decided to postpone resuming international flight operations which were due to start from December 15. The country had suspended international flights in March 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic began to surge worldwide. Also Read: Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt The Indian government had decided to allow international flight operations last week. However, after the Omicron variant cases were reported in several countries in the few days, India's aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said due to the "evolving global scenario" the decision has been postponed. The DGCA said an "appropriate decision" on a new date for the resumption of international flights will be announced in due course without setting a timeline. International flights have been operating through the "air bubble" agreement between governments of various countries. Also Read: Omicron update LIVE: Two fully vaccinated Israeli doctors get infected with Omicron Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier asked officials to review the plans for easing international travel restrictions as nations worldwide moved to impose travel ban on South Africa and other southern African countries. Civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told Parliament that in "view of the evolving global scenario with the emergence of new variants of concern the situation" the situation is being closely monitored. Also Read: Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute The minister added any further decision will be taken after consultation with other ministries Meanwhile, reports said Mumbai airport authorities have put the new coronavirus guidelines in place for international passengers as authorities began taking steps to detect the new variant. (With inputs from Agencies)

Omicron alert: India postpones resuming international flight operations

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing. This happened amid concerns over Omicron, the new variant of SARS-CoV2.

Of those who have come from South Africa and other countries, three have been discovered in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Mira-Bhayandar, and Pune, while a fourth was found in Mira-Bhayandar. Two other passengers from Nigeria were located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a corporation located near Pune.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-experts-studying-scientific-reports-on-need-for-covid-booster-dose-says-govt-433030" hreflang="en">Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt</a>

"Currently, there are six passengers who arrived from South Africa or other high-risk countries in the state who have tested positive. The samples of all of them have been sent for genetic sequencing and their contact tracing exercise is underway. All these passengers, although tested COVID-19 positive, are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic," the health department said.

As of November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) dubbed the coronavirus detected in South Africa and some other countries as Omicron.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-threat-covaxin-maker-bharat-biotech-studying-if-vaccine-works-against-variant-433020" hreflang="en">Omicron threat: Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech studying if vaccine works against variant</a>

'Variant of Concern' classification has also been given to the Omicron variant, according to experts, it is possible that the virus takes on some distinctive characteristics due to its genetic modification.

Although this new variant appears to have increased the transmissibility of infection, it is still unclear whether or not it will cause severe disease and whether it will evade immunity. Additional information should become available in the next few weeks.

Maharashtra has imposed a seven-day quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries arriving in the state due to concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus.

Watch |&nbsp;India issues travel advisory for international passengers over Omicron variant

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The State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday night issued the guidelines, an official said. 
The list of at-risk countries is announced by the Union government.

The countries listed as 'at-risk' are the European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.

An RT-PCR test will also be administered to passengers from these countries on the second, fourth, and seventh days following their arrival, according to new guidelines from the authority.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/will-covishield-work-against-omicron-it-will-be-clear-in-2-3-weeks-says-serum-institutes-poonawalla-433016" hreflang="en">Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla</a>

Furthermore, those passengers who do not test positive will also be home-quarantined for seven days before they can be tested again.

"If they are found positive this time around, their samples too will be sent for genomic sequencing," the health bulletin said.

In accordance with the Centre's guidelines, RT-PCR tests will be performed on five per cent of passengers arriving from countries that are not listed, and any positive samples found will be sent for genomic sequencing.

(With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing.

Maharashtra's state health department reported on Tuesday that six passengers arriving from South Africa and other high-risk countries tested positive for Coronavirus and their samples are being sent for genome sequencing. This happened amid concerns over Omicron, the new variant of SARS-CoV2. Of those who have come from South Africa and other countries, three have been discovered in Mumbai, Kalyan-Dombivali, Mira-Bhayandar, and Pune, while a fourth was found in Mira-Bhayandar. Two other passengers from Nigeria were located in Pimpri-Chinchwad, a corporation located near Pune. Also read | Indian experts studying scientific reports on need for Covid booster dose, says govt "Currently, there are six passengers who arrived from South Africa or other high-risk countries in the state who have tested positive. The samples of all of them have been sent for genetic sequencing and their contact tracing exercise is underway. All these passengers, although tested COVID-19 positive, are either asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic," the health department said. As of November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) dubbed the coronavirus detected in South Africa and some other countries as Omicron. Also read | Omicron threat: Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech studying if vaccine works against variant 'Variant of Concern' classification has also been given to the Omicron variant, according to experts, it is possible that the virus takes on some distinctive characteristics due to its genetic modification. Although this new variant appears to have increased the transmissibility of infection, it is still unclear whether or not it will cause severe disease and whether it will evade immunity. Additional information should become available in the next few weeks. Maharashtra has imposed a seven-day quarantine on travellers from 'at-risk' countries arriving in the state due to concerns over the Omicron variant of coronavirus. Watch | India issues travel advisory for international passengers over Omicron variant The State Disaster Management Authority on Tuesday night issued the guidelines, an official said. The list of at-risk countries is announced by the Union government. The countries listed as 'at-risk' are the European countries, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel. An RT-PCR test will also be administered to passengers from these countries on the second, fourth, and seventh days following their arrival, according to new guidelines from the authority. Also read | Will Covishield work against Omicron? It will be clear in 2-3 weeks, says Serum Institute’s Poonawalla Furthermore, those passengers who do not test positive will also be home-quarantined for seven days before they can be tested again. "If they are found positive this time around, their samples too will be sent for genomic sequencing," the health bulletin said. In accordance with the Centre's guidelines, RT-PCR tests will be performed on five per cent of passengers arriving from countries that are not listed, and any positive samples found will be sent for genomic sequencing. (With inputs from agencies)

Maharashtra's Omicron scare: 6 passengers test coronavirus positive, Indian state releases new guidelines

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