The government advised states and Union Territories to take measures to contain the spread of the new variant.
The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is at least three times more transmissible than the disease’s Delta strain, the Centre said on Tuesday, citing recent scientific evidence. In a letter to chief to states and Union Territories, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan outlined the measures required to contain the spread of the infection caused by the new variant. Bhusan warned that besides Omicron, the Delta variant was also present in different parts of the country. “Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict and prompt containment action is required at the local and district level,” Bhushan said. “The decision making at the state/UT [Union Territories] and district level must be very prompt and focussed.” The health secretary said that the states should constantly review emerging data at the district level on various aspects like population affected by Covid-19, hospital infrastructure and geographical spread of the infection.
