Following the outbreak of Omicron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will examine the country's coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation on Thursday, according to news agency ANI. Until yet, the new strain of the Sars-CoV-2 virus has infected over 200 persons in the nation.
In the past, the Prime Minister has convened similar review sessions. PM Modi had ordered authorities to consider proposals to reduce restrictions on overseas travel during the previous review meeting, which took place at the end of November, in light of worldwide concern about Omicron, which was detected in South Africa.
In light of the new version, the Prime Minister instructed authorities to be "pro-active."
According to the most recent official statistics, 223 Omicron cases have been documented in India, with Delhi accounting for the majority of the cases. The total number of active Covid-19 cases was 78,190.
If there is a 10% increase in weekly cases or 40% of ICU beds are filled, the Centre has requested state authorities to implement limits. "Considering the increased transmissibility of Omicron, states/UTs may implement containment measures and limits even before these levels are achieved," stated Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
Here's what some states are trying to stop the virus from spreading:
Delhi
The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) prolonged Covid-19 restrictions until December 31 and prohibited social and cultural events around Christmas and New Year, with the national capital dominating the Omicron chart at 57. In addition, the capacity of restaurants and pubs is capped at 50%. Similar regulations will apply to banquet hall gatherings, weddings, and conferences.
Maharashtra
Of the 223 Omicron cases, 54 are from Maharashtra. From December 16 to 31, the state has also issued prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
Only persons who have been completely vaccinated are allowed to enter stores or use public transportation. For a gathering of more than 200 persons, commercial property owners would need authorization from local ward officials. Additionally, sitting capacity for indoor spaces has been limited to 50%, while seating capacity for outdoor areas has been limited to 25%.
Karnataka
The highly transmissible Covid variant has been identified in 19 instances in Karnataka. During New Year's Eve, the state has prohibited all public gatherings, including those on Bengaluru's MG Road and Brigade Road. "No public celebrations or special activities would be held in any region of the state," declared chief minister Basavaraj Bommai.
Clubs and restaurants are allowed to fill up to 50% of their capacity, but no DJs or special New Year's Eve events are authorized. All employees must be completely immunized and have a negative RT-PCR test.
Gujarat
So far, 11 Omicron cases have been documented in Gujarat. The government has prolonged the night curfew till December 31 from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. Gyms and restaurants may function at 75% capacity, whereas movie theaters can be completely filled.
West Bengal
Due to a decreased count of the highly infectious type, restrictions on Christmas and New Year will be lifted, according to the latest instructions issued by the West Bengal government.
Their current limits on mobility between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. will last until January 15, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day.
Uttar Pradesh
The authorities in Uttar Pradesh have invoked Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) till December 31.
In the meanwhile, India's health ministry recorded 6,317 new Covid-19 cases and 318 fatalities in the past 24 hours. The active caseload in the nation is now at 78,190, the lowest level in 575 days.
According to the ministry, 318 individuals have died as a result of the viral illness in the previous 24 hours.