PM Modi cautions nation against new variant

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today cautioned against using the new Covid version ‘Omicron’ before the commencement of Parliament’s Winter Session. On the weekend, he conducted a Covid review meeting in response to worries about a new strain discovered in South Africa.

“Reports of a new variant are making us even more alert. I appeal to parliament and all of you to be cautious as every citizen’s health is a priority in this hour of crisis,” PM Modi told reporters in his customary remarks ahead of the session.

Since the last session, PM Modi said, more than 100 crore doses of vaccine had been given and the country is now moving towards the 150 crore-mark.

Omicron was named a “Variant of Concern” by the WHO on Friday, joining Delta and its lesser competitors Alpha, Beta, and Gamma in the most dangerous category of Covid variations.

Following cases in Botswana, Italy, Hong Kong, Australia, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Germany, Canada, Israel, and the Czech Republic, the government is preparing to strengthen travel procedures and inspections for tourists.

The occurrences in Hong Kong are particularly concerning because the two patients (both from southern Africa) were isolated in different rooms, suggesting that the B.1.1.529 strain is spread through the air.

Several nations have already implemented travel restrictions and prohibitions on flights to and from South Africa and its neighbours.

PM Modi reportedly requested a review of measures to remove travel restrictions during his Saturday meeting with officials and experts.

He stressed on the need to monitor all international arrivals and for Covid tests with a focus on those arriving from countries designated as ‘at risk’ by the Health Miniser.

Omicron has been red-flagged for “an alarmingly high number of mutations” that might make it more resistant to vaccines, increase transmissibility and lead to more severe symptoms.