Omicron:26 cases detected in India, all mild

India has reported 26 cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 but none of the patients have reported severe symptoms. The  Health Ministry in its briefing on Friday said that all detected cases have mild symptoms. Less than 0.04% of total variants were detected. Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary,  pointed out that social distancing must be followed in India. WHO highlighted that public health measures should be abided by on a continual basis, besides vaccination. Adequate precautions have to be followed. Laxity in public health measures led to surge in Covid cases in Europe,  Agarwal said. Cases of Omicron from five states - Delhi, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.

The government also issued a warning about declining mask usage and safety norms. "WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing... We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important," Dr VK Paul, the NITI Aayog member for Health said. It added that although Omicron was not yet a burden on the healthcare system, a strict vigil had to be maintained.