New Delhi: India’s Omicron tally is growing rapidly. According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, India has registered over 400 cases of the highly mutated variant in the last 24 hours.
With this, the total number of Omicron cases rose to 4,461. Health ministry data also showed that Omicron cases have been reported in 28 states and union territories.
Maharashtra continues to lead in infections with 1,247 Omicron cases, followed by Rajasthan (645 cases), Delhi (546 cases), Karnataka (479 cases) and Kerala with 350 cases.
Of the total cases, 1,711 have been cured or discharged from hospitals.
Although Omicron is known to be more resistant to existing COVID-19 vaccines, it has been known to cause mild infections. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan on Monday sent a letter to states and Union Territories (UTs) saying that in the current surge of five to 10 per cent active cases, hospitalization is required.
However, he added that the situation is dynamic and evolving so the need for hospitalization may also change rapidly.
Bhushan advised all states and union territories to keep a watch on the status of the total number of active cases, that is, those in home isolation, hospitalised, cases on oxygen beds, ICU and ventilation support.
Bhushan said in the letter, while several states and union territories have taken steps to set up jumbo health facilities, field hospitals, temporary hospitals etc., it is to be appreciated that both infrastructure and human resources have their limits.
The Health Secretary said, “Therefore, it is important to protect healthcare workers wherever possible, and by restricting elective procedures in hospitals. Health workers in COVID and non-COVID areas of health facilities issued by the Ministry of Health on January 9, 2022.” It is also important to strictly follow the advice for the management of
Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, 1,68,063 new cases were registered and 277 people died due to infection in India. The country’s active caseload currently stands at 8,21,446, according to health ministry data.
first published:Jan. 11, 2022, 10:41 a.m.
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