It is currently being investigated if current vaccines can work against the Omicron variant COVID-19 Omicron variant: The worries over the Omicron variant of coronavirus are mounting, and so are the cases around the world. Accordingly, information about the variant, its severity and its transmission are going to emerge over the coming weeks as more … Read more
The Omicron variant has emerged as a ‘variant of concern’ following its detection in southern Africa late last month. (File/Reuters) The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM) called for a higher pace of vaccination amid a spurt in Covid-19 cases led by the Omicron variant. ASSOCHAM CSR Council Chairman Anil Rajput also called for … Read more
India reported 17 cases of the new Covid-19 variant on Sunday — nine in Jaipur, seven in Pune district, and one in Delhi. (File) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the RT-PCR testing facility at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday as India’s tally of Omicron cases skyrocketed past 21. India reported 17 cases … Read more
There are other theories that the variant evolved from an animal host. (Representative image) The coronavirus’ Omicron variant that has now been detected in over 30 countries has prompted fears it could significantly undermine the effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines. Yet, amid a race to understand the consequences of the variant, some scientists are also looking … Read more
Looking at the previous lineages — the Alpha, the Beta — the mutations accumulated over time, Moyo said. (Representative image) The pace at which the coronavirus’ Omicron variant accumulated its unusual pattern of mutations is cause for concern, Sikhulile Moyo, the scientist who detected the new strain, said. The speed of the mutations also raises … Read more
Timely detection of the variant is, as a result, key to checking its spread. (File) The coronavirus’ Omicron variant has emerged as a big threat with the World Health Organization (WHO) on Sunday assessing a “very high” global risk. Preliminary data suggests that the variant could have higher transmissibility, and also a greater ability to … Read more
Mylab did not see any impact on its RT-PCR (PathoDetect), rapid antigen (PathoCatch) and self-testing kits (CoviSelf). Mylab Discovery Solutions, which manufactures Covid-19 diagnostic kits, has said the new Omicron variant will have no impact on the detection efficacy of their RT-PCR, antigen or self-testing kits. “As per the available information, key mutations in Omicron … Read more
The passenger is asymptomatic and had quarantined himself at home. (File) A resident of Dombivli in Mumbai, who returned from South Africa on November 24, tested positive for Covid-19 upon arrival. However, health officials are still to ascertain if he has been infected by the Omicron variant. Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation Chief Medical Officer Pratibha … Read more