Omicron is currently the coronavirus variant of concern according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Since it was first identified in South Africa in November this year, infection rates have increased across the world. Amidst the global Omicron threat, India’s tally of cases has been rising and as of now, it has crossed the 300 cases mark. The total at the time of writing this article stands at 360 cases as per reports on Times of India. The country also recorded 122 new cases, the highest cases of the Omicron variant in the last 24 hours.

The Omicron variant is being detected in COVID-19 cases across 17 states and Union Territories in the country- Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with the highest number of cases (88) followed by Delhi, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Gujarat. Meanwhile, India’s overall coronavirus tally has risen. The number of coronavirus cases is 3,47,72,626 as of Friday (December 24, 2021) morning.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting on Thursday, assessed the situation and preparedness of the health systems, urging citizens to stay “satark and saavdhan,”. According to a press release, contact tracing, testing and vaccination will be ramped up again.

Reviewed the COVID-19 situation across India, particularly in the wake of Omicron. Our focus is on further ramping up health infra, testing, tracing and ensuring full vaccination coverage. https://t.co/mbx44TLKcU

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 23, 2021

SEE ALSO: Are Your Reusable Cloth Face Masks Completely Safe Against Omicron? Here’s What Experts Say

So far it is believed that Omicron is a variant that spreads faster and is known to reduce vaccine efficiency as per early data which makes it more transmissible than the earlier Delta variant. Experts say that this will most likely be the dominant variant of the coronavirus in 2022 as per reports on The Economic Times. And while it doesn’t look like the pandemic will end any time soon, WHO’s Director-General urged nations to band together. “2022 must be the year we end the pandemic,” he said in a recent statement.

SEE ALSO: Omicron Messing With Your Mental Health? Don’t Let The Anxiety Get To You

Cover image for representation purposes only.