Omicron Covid Variant: Two Omicron Covid Cases Detected In India, Both In Karnataka

The Centre on Thursday (2 December) announced that two cases of Omicron Covid-19 variant, that was recently detected in South Africa and was declared a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO), has been detected in India.

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) DG Balram Bhargava on Thursday informed that the two Omicron variant Covid-19 cases were detected in Karnataka.

Addressing a press briefing, Bhargava said, "Two cases of Omicron have been detected in Karnataka so far through the genome sequencing efforts of INSACOG consortium".

"We need not panic but awareness is absolutely essential," he said.

The ICMR DG added that Covid appropriate behaviour - hand hygiene, wearing masks and avoiding mass gatherings - will help in breaking the chain of transmission of Omicron Covid-19 variant.

He also urged people to get fully vaccinated, saying that increased vaccine uptake is the need of the hour.