Both two cases of the Omicron variant were found in men aged 66 years and 46 years and they had mild symptoms. Severe symptoms have not been noted, said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry.<\/p>\n
All primary, secondary contacts of both Omicron cases detected in Karnataka have been traced and are being tested and they are under monitoring. The COVID normal protocol is being followed, added Agarwal. 373 cases of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in 29 nations so far, the official said at a press briefing on the COVID situation in India.<\/p>\n
“The two cases of Omicron were detected in Karnataka through genome sequencing effort of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) of 37 laboratories established by the Ministry of Health. We need not panic, but awareness is absolutely essential. Covid appropriate behavior is required, avoid gatherings,” said Balram Bhargava, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research.<\/p>\n
“All Omicron-related cases in the world are found to have mild symptoms so far. In all such cases in the country and across the world so far, no severe symptom has been noted. WHO has said that its emerging evidence is being studied,” said Agarwal. He also informed that the Omicron variant can be five times more infectious than the other known variants of the novel coronavirus.<\/p>\n
\n2 people found positive for the #Omicron<\/a> variant of COVID19. One person is about a 66-year-old, South African national, who has gone back. Another person is a 46-year-old doctor. He doesn't have any travel history: Karnataka Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar pic.twitter.com\/5aBjETtIUt<\/a><\/p>\n
— ANI (@ANI) December 2, 2021<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n