Omicron variant: News
What is 'Arcturus,' new COVID-19 variant with different symptom
The World Health Organization (WHO) is currently keeping tabs on a new COVID-19 variant that is reportedly causing a new symptom that is rarely seen in other Omicron sub-variants.
Nationwide COVID-19 preparedness mock drill at hospitals today, tomorrow
Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in India, the Centre has ordered a mock drill in private and public hospitals on Monday and Tuesday to test the preparedness of health facilities in the event of a further surge in infections.
India records 5,300+ COVID-19 cases, 11 deaths; positivity rate 3.39%
India recorded 5,357 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, with the daily positivity rate at 3.39%, the Union Health Ministry revealed on Sunday morning.
States adopt strict measures amid spike in COVID-19 cases
Following a high-level COVID-19 review meeting, the government of Kerala has decided to make masks mandatory for all vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and pregnant women, amid the recent surge in coronavirus infections nationwide.
India records 6,100+ new COVID-19 cases, daily positivity nearly 6%
India recorded 6,155 new daily COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours—with the daily positivity nearing 6% on a national average—the Union Health Ministry revealed on Saturday morning.
Health minister chairs high-level meeting as COVID-19 cases cross 6,000-mark
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level review meeting with states and union territories on Friday, as the country continued to see an increase in COVID-19 cases.
COVID variant XBB.1.16: Here's what we know so far
The number of COVID-19 cases is once again increasing in several regions of India, mainly due to the emergence of the new Omicron variant, which has been labeled XBB.1.16.
India records nearly 4,500 COVID-19 cases, 15 deaths
India recorded nearly 4,500 new daily COVID-19 cases on Tuesday—the highest single-day rise in 163 days—the Union Health Ministry revealed on Wednesday.
Government researching if COVID-19, heart attacks linked: Union health minister
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the government has commissioned research to determine if there is a link between COVID-19 and the rising number of heart attacks. The research is likely to be completed in the next two-three months.
India records nearly 4,000 new COVID-19 cases—highest in 6 months
India recorded nearly 4,000 new daily COVID-19 cases on Saturday—the highest single-day rise in 184 days—the Union Health Ministry revealed on Sunday.
COVID-9 spike: WHO recommends additional booster shot for high-risk people
Amid the recent spike in COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organization revised its COVID-19 vaccine guidelines, recommending additional booster shots for the high-risk group.
India records nearly 1,900 new daily COVID-19 cases, 7 deaths
India recorded nearly 1,900 new daily COVID-19 cases on Saturday—the highest in 149 days—the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry revealed on Sunday.
India records nearly 1,600 daily COVID-19 cases—highest in 5 months
India reported nearly 1,600 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, the highest in 146 days, the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry said on Saturday.
Cases of new unidentified COVID-19 variant reported in Israel
While the world thought it might have seen the back of COVID-19, Israel's health ministry announced the discovery of a new coronavirus variant, which may be a combination of two Omicron sub-variants of the novel virus.
India lifts negative RT-PCR mandate for passengers from China, others
In light of the global decline in COVID-19 cases, India lifted COVID-19 restrictions on travelers from six countries, including China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Thailand, and Japan, on Monday.
Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5: What do we know so far
At least 38 countries have been affected by the latest COVID-19 variant, XBB.1.5.
COVID-19: WHO urges travelers to mask up amid XBB.1.5 spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday urged countries to advise the use of masks to travelers, especially on long-haul flights from countries with heavy transmission, in view of the rapid spread of COVID-19's Omicron XBB.1.5 subvariant in several nations.
China: Hospitals struggle amid COVID-19 surge, refusing to admit patients
Health infrastructure has reportedly been struggling in many provinces of China amid an "explosion" of COVID-19 cases.
COVID-19: China-like BF.7 wave unlikely; PM Modi emphasizes following protocols
Amid the reported spurt of cases in neighboring China, the government has been issuing COVID-19 alerts and urging people to stay cautious.
Agra: China returnee tests COVID-19 positive; virus variant being determined
A 40-year-old man, who recently returned from China, has tested positive for COVID-19 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Hindustan Times reported on Sunday.
Amid COVID-19 scare, Centre issues readiness alert for states, UTs
The Centre has issued fresh instructions to states and union territories to undertake mock COVID-19 preparation and response drills at health facilities.
China suppresses health official's rare remarks on COVID-19 numbers: Report
China reportedly censored a senior health official's rare remarks that "half a million people" are being infected with COVID-19 every day in Qingdao city, AFP reported.
COVID-19 test mandatory for arrivals from China, 4 other countries
The Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has released a six-point advisory for states to deal with any COVID-19 emergency amid a spike in cases in China.
Omicron BF.7 subvariant to have little impact on India: Experts
Amid concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in China, Indian scientists urged the Centre to bust the misleading information and communicate better about it.
Omicron BF.7: Symptoms, precautions, and what we know so far
COVID-19 is posing yet another danger to public health in the form of the new Omicron sub-variant BF.7.
Here's how states are gearing up for possible COVID-19 outbreak
Amid concerns over the spread of the new COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant BF.7 that reportedly triggered a new wave of cases in China, several states are ramping up testing, ordering local authorities to be vigilant and recommending COVID-appropriate behavior for citizens.
Gujarat: China-returnee tests COVID-19 positive in Bhavnagar
A man from Gujarat, who recently came back from China, has reportedly tested positive for the novel coronavirus.
#NewsBytesExplainer: What is BF.7, Omicron sub-variant triggering China's COVID-19 spurt
Four cases of Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is believed to be driving the current spurt of COVID-19 cases in China, were reported in India on Wednesday.
4 cases of China's COVID-19 'BF.7' sub-variant found in India
Four cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, believed to be the main strain triggering the current spike in COVID-19 cases in China, have been detected in India.
COVID-19: India reports 862 cases, lowest tally in 6 months
India recorded its lowest number of daily COVID-19 cases in 196 days, or more than six months, with a three-digit tally of 862 on Tuesday.
Emergence of new Omicron sub variants put government on toes
The emergence of new Omicron sub variants in India has alerted government as the Ministry of Health has said that they were "monitoring key data."
India's 1st case of Omicron subvariant BQ.1 reported from Pune
India's first case of the Omicron subvariant BQ.1 of coronavirus—considered to be dangerous—was reported from Pune, Maharashtra, on Monday during the genome sequencing of a patient's sample.
China: Fresh restrictions grip Shanghai as COVID-19 cases rise
The coronavirus is again flaring up in China's financial capital Shanghai as the city on Wednesday recorded the highest number of COVID-19 cases since July, Bloomberg reported.
New COVID-19 sub-variant BA.2.75 detected in India: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has found a new sub-lineage BA.2.75 of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus in India and some other countries, PTI reported.
No concerning trends caused by new Omicron subvariants: Experts
Although India hasn't detected any concerning trends because of the discovery of new Omicron mutations—BA.4 and BA.5—experts have warned that people should remain vigilant against COVID-19.
First cases of new Omicron subvariants detected in India
The first cases of the BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 have been found in Tamil Nadu and Telangana, respectively, the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) confirmed on Sunday.
COVID-19 Omicron XE subvariant presence confirmed in India: Details here
The country's first case of COVID-19 Omicron sub-variant XE has been confirmed by the Centre's Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG).
New Omicron sub-variants can trigger new COVID-19 wave: Study
Scientists in South Africa have found that new Omicron subvariants—BA.4 and BA.5—are capable enough to evade immunity and trigger a new COVID-19 wave, Reuters reported.
Beijing: Mass testing amid 'grim' COVID-19 situation triggers lockdown fears
Panic seized residents of China's capital city, Beijing, on Monday as the government ordered mass COVID-19 testing in the city's biggest district, Chaoyang.
COVID-19: How concerning is new Omicron variant discovered in Delhi?
Some laboratories in Delhi have reportedly discovered a new COVID-19 Omicron variant, the BA.2.12.1, raising concerns it may be triggering the recent surge in cases in the national capital.
COVID-19: India reports 949 new cases, 6 more deaths
India on Friday reported nearly 950 new COVID-19 cases, a decline of about 60 cases from the previous day.
COVID-19: India logs 1,109 new cases, 43 more deaths
India on Friday reported over 1,100 new COVID-19 cases, an increase of nearly 100 cases from the day before.
COVID-19: India logs 1,086 new cases, 71 more deaths
India on Wednesday reported over 1,000 new COVID-19 cases, an increase of over 200 cases than the day before.
COVID-19: India reports 795 new cases, 58 more deaths
India on Tuesday reported less than 1,000 new COVID-19 cases for the second consecutive day.
COVID-19: China fighting worst outbreak, UK sets new high
COVID-19 is showing no indications of going away anytime soon, despite a decline in cases in most countries.
New COVID-19 mutant 'XE' could be most transmissible, says WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said a new mutation of the novel coronavirus, known as XE, appears to be 10% more transmissible than the BA.2 sub-variant of Omicron.
COVID-19: India reports 1,225 new cases, 28 more fatalities
India on Thursday reported over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, slightly lower than the previous day.
COVID-19: India reports 1,233 new cases, 31 more fatalities
India on Wednesday reported over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, slightly lower than the previous day.
COVID-19: India reports 1,259 new cases, 35 more fatalities
India on Tuesday reported over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, slightly lower than the previous day.
COVID-19: India reports 1,270 new cases, 31 more fatalities
India on Monday reported over 1,200 new COVID-19 cases, a decline of over 150 cases from the previous day.
COVID-19: India reports 1,685 new cases, 83 more fatalities
India on Friday reported over 1,600 new COVID-19 cases, a decline of over 250 cases from the previous day.