India recorded 7,992 new COVID-19 cases and 195 deaths, as per Union Health Ministry data on Saturday, 11 December. The total active cases in the country stand at 93,277, which is the lowest in 559 days.
A total of 131.99 crore vaccine doses have been administered, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Taking view of the mounting Omicron COVID-19 variant cases in Maharashtra, Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) has been imposed in Mumbai for the weekend in order to prevent large gatherings.
Seven fresh cases of the newly-identified Omicron COVID-19 variant were reported in Maharashtra on Friday, taking the tally of Omicron cases in the city to 17.
India recorded 7,992 new COVID-19 cases and 195 deaths
131.99 crore vaccine doses have been administered so far
Seven fresh cases of the newly-identified Omicron COVID-19 variant were reported in Maharashtra on Friday
Centre Asks States to Buckle up Amid COVID Surge in 27 Districts
As many as 27 districts have registered a surge in the COVID-19 positivity rate in the past two weeks and are being monitored closely, the Central government told the states, adding that the country is critically placed in its fight against the pandemic.
"With the recent trend of sustained and overall decline in COVID-19 cases in the country, we are critically placed in our fight against the pandemic. Eight districts in three states have been reporting more than 10 percent positivity rates in the past two weeks. As many as 19 districts in seven states and union territories (UTs) have been reporting positivity rates between 5 percent and 10 percent in the past two weeks. Thus, these 27 districts need to be monitored closely," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote in his letter to the states.
70% In Kerala Get Both Doses of COVID Vaccine
Kerala Health Minister Veena George said that 70 percent of the state's population above 18 years has received both the Covid vaccine doses.
"So far 96.87 percent (2,58,72,847) of Kerala's population above 18 years have by now taken one dose, of which 70.37 per cent (1,87,96,209) have taken both the doses. In all 4,46,69,056 vaccine doses have been given which includes the first and second dose, she said.
Nationally, the data for those who have taken the first dose is 86.52 percent while 53.84 percent have received both the doses.
UK Study Shows Booster Key for Protection Against Omicron
Two-shots of a Covid vaccine may not be enough against the Omicron variant, and a third dose or a booster shot is necessary to prevent the super mutant variant, according to a UK study.
The study, released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), showed that a full two-dose vaccination course was less effective against symptomatic disease with Omicron than with the original strain of Covid-19 or the Delta variant.
On the other hand, a moderate to high vaccine effectiveness of 75 per cent is seen in the early period after a booster dose.
Second Case of Omicron Variant Detected in Delhi
Delhi reported its second case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19. The traveller returned from Zimbabwe and tested positive on Friday.
As per an IANS, the person was fully vaccinated.