What is Omicron?
Around a month has passed since scientists in Botswana and South Africa alerted the world about the fast spreading SARS-CoV-2 variant now known as Omicron.
The Omicron variant has now been detected in many countries around the world. WHO has designated the COVID-19 Omicron variation as a variant of concern, based on evidence that it contains numerous alterations that could affect how it acts. There is still a lot of ambiguity about Omicron, and a lot of study is being done to determine its transmissibility, severity, and risk of reinfection.
How did the Omicron variant develop?
When a virus is spreading vastly, there is a large chance of mutants and variants of the said virus emerging. The more it spreads, the more possibility of it undergoing changes occurs.
Much like this is the case of Omicron. The wide circulation of Covid 19 has caused numerous infections that now mutated into the variant we know of today as Omicron.
New COVID-19 varieties, such as Omicron, serve as a reminder that the epidemic is far from over. People must acquire the vaccination as soon as it becomes available and continue to follow existing guidelines for limiting the transmission of the virus, including physical separation, wearing masks, handwashing regularly, and keeping indoor spaces adequately ventilated. It is also critical that vaccines and other public health interventions are widely available.
Is the Omicron COVID-19 variant more severe than the other variants?
Early findings suggest that Omicron might be less severe than the Delta variant, but more data is required and WHO warns that it shouldn't be dismissed as “ mild”. Studies are ongoing and people will be updated on the issues respectively.
It's important to remember that all variants of COVID-19 can invoke severe disease or death, involving the Delta variant that's still dominant worldwide, which is why preventing the spread of the virus and reducing our risk of exposure to the contagion is so important.
What is happening in India regarding Omicron?
India's first Omicron case was detected on December 2 in Karnataka, and the country has since recorded over a hundred cases of the virus. Omicron cases had been discovered in 29 countries before being reported in India.
Since the mutation was revealed, many countries have put travel restrictions on the southern African countries. India has also added numerous nations to the list of countries where visitors must take extra precautions upon arrival, including post-entry infection testing.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is raising fears of a third wave of the pandemic in India.
New Delhi banned large gatherings for Christmas and New Year, and many other states have announced new restrictions, including night curfews and vaccination requirements at stores and restaurants.
“The (coronavirus) cases have increased with the arrival of international flights,” Delhi government’s Health Minister Satyendar Jain said. “Not a single Omicron patient has required oxygen support so far.”
Rajesh Tope, the health minister of Maharashtra, home to India’s financial capital Mumbai, said it was “worrying to see the number of active cases increasing in the state”.
Officials fear another wave, bringing in a round of travel restrictions, expanding mass screening at airports and sending out public health warnings, experts say.
New Delhi announced last week that samples of all COVID-19 positive cases will be sent for genome sequencing at two government labs, going beyond screening for the variant at airports. But not all cities or states have the bandwidth to sequence all positive cases.
Currently, 38 government labs across India can carry out genome sequencing. But it is still not close to analysing five percent of all samples, the ideal standard.
Vaccination
Amid a surge in Coronavirus infections and rapidly spreading Omicron variant, India on January 3rd started its vaccination drive for children of the age group 15 to 18. The Union Health Ministry had announced that Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will be administered to eligible children — in two doses 28 days apart.
Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, had informed that over 40 lakh teens got their first dose on the first day of vaccination.
Many schools were used as vaccination centres and as per the government’s directives, only Covaxin was administered to the children aged 15-18. The Health Ministry in a tweet said, “Only Covaxin approved for less than 18 yrs. Eighteen plus (ie born in 2004 or before) are eligible for all vaccines, including Covishield. For 15-17 years (born in 2005, 2006, 2007) eligible only for Covaxin. Validations in place in Co-WIN.”
The Centre has stated that over 152.96 crore vaccine doses have been given to States/UTs so far through Govt of India and through direct state procurement category. More than 19.69 Cr balance & unutilized vaccine doses are still available with the States and Union Territories.