Omicron Virus News LIVE: Two cases of Omicron variant detected in India, says Health Ministry - Supply Chain Council of European Union

Two cases of the Omicron variant have been reported in India so far, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry on Thursday, adding that both cases are from Karnataka. The Health Ministry briefed the country regarding the COVID-19 situation today. Around 29 countries have reported 373 cases of Omicron Variant so far. The Ministry noted that a Covid-19 surge is being noted across the world currently.

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Antilia blasts case: Former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh suspended

The Maharashtra government on Thursday suspended former Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh. Singh has been posted as Director General (Home Guards) but is on leave.

Scientific reasoning for providing boosters at what timing, for which vaccine, all that is under examination. Currently, let’s be very clear, our priority is very clear — complete the task of vaccinating all adults with both doses.

– Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog

Omicron guidelines: What Maharashtra is doing

7-day institutional quarantine for travellers arriving in the state from ‘at-risk’ countries;
RT-PCR test on second, fourth and seventh day of the arrival for such passengers
If last test is negative, the passenger will then have to undergo seven-day home quarantine
Passengers from other countries will have to undergo a compulsory RT-PCR test on arrival, and then undergo 14-day home quarantine
BMC circular says all domestic passengers landing at the city airport have to carry a negative RT-PCR report not older than 72 hours

Omicron in India: What we know so far

The two cases were found in foreign nationals who arrived in Bengaluru on November 11 and 20
Ten passengers’ samples were sent for genome sequencing
7,976 passengers have gone through RT-PCR tests from midnight December 1 till 8 AM today
No severe cases have been reported so far anywhere around the world

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is being carefully examined, will take decisions on the basis of it, it’s an ongoing discussion within our technical and scientific circles.

– VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog over ban on international flights, booster dose and pediatric vaccination

Omicron guidelines: What you should know on arrival to India

Thermal screening and copy of self-declaration
RT-PCR tests mandatory for passengers arriving/transiting from ‘at-risk’ countries.
Random 2% passengers arriving from not-at-risk countries to be tested
Exemption from post-arrival testing only if a person is travelling from a not at-risk country and has only a transit
Same rules apply to those arriving at seaports/land ports
Children under 5 exempted from pre- and post-arrival testing

Omicron guidelines: What you should know when traveling

Travelers need to submit a self declaration form on Air Suvidha portal; upload -ve RT-PCR report (conducted 72 hours prior to travel), and a declaration of authenticity of the report, and download Arogya Setu app
Airlines need to ascertain fulfillment of these conditions

Omicron variant may be less lethal in India, Epidemiologist says

Given the widespread exposure of Indians to Covid-19 virus and a reasonably-high vaccination rate, India will likely be less affected by the new strain, Ramanan Laxminarayan, director of the Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy said in an interview with Bloomberg Television on Thursday.

All Omicron-related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far. In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted.

– Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry

No severe symptoms of Omicron Variant of COVID-19 reported so far

The two have been identified as a 66-year-old male and a 46-year-old male

All their contacts have been identified and are under monitoring, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry. “The protocol is being followed.”

Passengers arriving from ‘at risk’ countries need to undergo RT-PCR test on arrival. If found positive for COVID, they’ll be treated under clinical management protocol. If tested negative they’ll follow, home quarantine for 7 days.

– Lav Agarwal, JS, Union Health Ministry

Two cases of Omircron detected in Karnataka so far through genome sequencing effort of INSACOG consortium of 37 laboratories established by the Ministry of Health. We need not panic, but awareness is absolutely essential. COVID appropriate behaviour is required.

– Balram Bhargava, DG ICMR

Weekly Covid-19 positivity rate over 10% in 15 districts, between 5 and 10% in 18 districts

84.3% of adult population in India got first dose of Covid vaccine, 49% got second dose

Around 29 countries have reported 373 cases of Omicron Variant so far: Health Ministry

Increase in second dose vaccinations: Health Ministry

There is an increase in second dose of vaccination, said Lav Agarwal. “Several initiatives were taken to increase number of vaccination across country.”

Southeast Asia reported only 1.2 lakh cases in last one week: Health Ministry

Southeast Asian region, that includes India and 11 other countries, reported only 1.2 lakh cases in last one week — 3.1% of the cases of the world, said Lav Agarwal, Jt Secy Health Ministry, adding that a decrease in cases is being reported in Southeast Asia.

Covid surge being noted across the world: Health Ministry

Europe reported 70% of the cases in the world in last one week. In the week ending 28 Nov, around 2.75 Lakh new cases and over 31,000 deaths reported in European region, said Lav Agarwal, Jt Secy, Health Ministry.

Kerala and Maharashtra are the two states that have more than 10,000 actives cases — 55% of the cases of the country are reported in these two states.

– Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry

Health Ministry briefing regarding COVID situation

#WATCH | LIVE: Union Health Ministry briefing over #COVID19 situation in the country. https://t.co/xFttL9SkWH

— ANI (@ANI) 1638441014000

India, China 14th round Corps Commander-level talks likely in December second half

Congress will contest elections on basis of development. Will provide 20 lakh jobs. Manufacturing hub will open in every district. PM didn’t pay any respect to farmers those died in agitation against farm laws.

– Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Pratigya Rally in Moradabad

Rupee slips 8 paise to close at 74.99 (provisional) against US dollar

Swiggy to invest USD 700 million in Instamart

Sensex gains for 2nd day, rallies 800 points

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal holds ‘Tiranga yatra’ in Punjab’s Pathankot

#WATCH | Delhi CM and AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal holds 'Tiranga yatra' in Punjab's Pathankot. Delhi Depu… https://t.co/OrEDYNxXwM

— ANI (@ANI) 1638438127000

Previous governments lacked agenda on development. There is no space for development and nationalism where only dynastic politics and casteism is being taken care of. Previous UP governments had no room for education, employment, growth and development of the poor.

– UP CM Yogi Adityanath

There was a time when not only riots occurred here but our daughters had also to be sent to other states for studies because there was no security here. Today no daughter in western UP has to go outside for studies. Nobody dares to misbehave with them.

– HM Amit Shah in Saharanpur

I would, on behalf of TMC, like to humbly appeal to the presiding officers of both Houses to rectify television coverage. All protests are censored on the TV and we demand this censorship to be stopped, Parliament cannot be converted into a closed chamber.

– TMC MP Derek O’Brien

NCP’s Working Committee meeting chaired by party president Sharad Pawar to be held on 7th December in Delhi

Robust placement drive at IIT Delhi

Number of job offers and salaries are up by over 45% and 35% respectively on Day 1 of the current placement season compared to last year for the class of 2022 at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

SBI join hands with Adani Capital for co-lending to farmers

Country’s largest lender SBI has joined hands with Adani Capital as a co-lending partner to provide loans to farmers in the country.

India to initially introduce Zydus Cadila’s COVID-19 vaccine in 7 States

Reports Reuters

Maharashtra Govt revises quarantine rules, creates ‘ultra-risk’ category

The Maharashtra Govt on Thursday revised quarantine rules, creating an ‘Ultra Risk’ category as four travellers from South Africa test positive in Mumbai. Here’s the key details:

‘Ultra-risk’ country passengers will be sent to institutional quarantine
These include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho
Rules have been revised for the creation of the new category

AIADMK announces organisational polls

A day after tweaking party bylaws to strengthen the present leadership structure of the top two positions held by O Panneerselvam and K Palaniswami, the AIADMK on Thursday announced holding elections to the said posts next week.

We are talking to BCCI to get more clarity: India skipper Virat Kohli on upcoming tour of South Africa amid discovery of new COVID variant

Cyclone Jawad: NDRF deploys 8 teams in West Bengal, 8 more teams to be deployed by tonight

PM Modi chairs meeting on cyclone-related situation in India

All schools in Delhi to be closed from tomorrow till further orders, due to current air pollution levels in the city: Environment Minister Gopal Rai

UGC extends deadline for submission of MPhil, PhD thesis till June 2022

The University Grants Commission has granted extension to MPhil and PhD scholars for submission of thesis till June 30 next year, according to officials

To support Gujarat’s MSME sector, we’ve adopted a ‘First Production, then Permission’ scheme to cut red-tapism of the system & make the ease of doing business policy even more industry-friendly.

– Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel on 10th edition of Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

4 more travellers from “at-risk” countries test positive for COVID-19 on arrival at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport: Officials

RT-PCR of every traveller coming from abroad is mandatory at the airport, in view of Omicron. 4 COVID positive travellers have been admitted to LNJP Hospital and 4 suspected are being examined. Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing.

– Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain

Without Congress, UPA will be body without soul: Senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal

Opposition MPs raise slogans on the issue of farmers’ deaths, rising inflation in Rajya Sabha

Maruti says the company will hike prices in January 2022, rate of hike will differ across models

Ola Scooter booking crosses 10 lakh