Covid-19: ASSOCHAM calls for booster dose to mitigate pandemic impact amid spike in Omicron cases

Covid-19: ASSOCHAM calls for booster dose to mitigate pandemic impact amid spike in Omicron cases

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

Covid-19: Union Health Minister reviews testing facility at Delhi airport amid spurt in Omicron cases

Covid-19: Union Health Minister reviews testing facility at Delhi airport amid spurt in Omicron cases

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

Covid-19: Could the Omicron variant cause milder illness?

Covid-19: Could the Omicron variant cause milder illness?

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

Covid-19: Botswana scientist who sequenced Omicron variant worried by pace of mutation

Covid-19: Botswana scientist who sequenced Omicron variant worried by pace of mutation

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

Covid-19: Is there a correct way to pronounce ‘Omicron’?

Covid-19: Is there a correct way to pronounce ‘Omicron’?

According to experts, however, there is no single, agreed-on English pronunciation. (Reuters) Among the many unknowns of the new coronavirus variant — Omicron — named after the Greek alphabet’s 15th letter — one that has stood out for many English speakers is its pronunciation. According to experts, however, there is no single, agreed-on English pronunciation. … Read more

Covid-19: Maharashtra on alert after passenger from South Africa tests positive

Covid-19: Maharashtra on alert after passenger from South Africa tests positive

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