Delhi, First Published Nov 27, 2021, 3:05 PM IST
New Delhi: The Prime Minister has directed the government to take steps to address the challenge posed by Omikron, a new variant of the Kovid virus. The Prime Minister called for a tightening of the gauntlet at a review meeting convened following the discovery of the Omicron variant in various parts of the world.
During the review, the Prime Minister asked the officials to reconsider the move to remove international travel restrictions in the wake of reports of a new variant of the Kovid virus, Omicron, in more countries. Narendra Modi suggested that the threat posed by the new variant should be addressed and necessary steps should be taken for that. The Prime Minister urged the people to be vigilant against the Omicron virus and to expedite the distribution of the second dose of the Kovid vaccine to prevent it.
The Prime Minister convened a high-level meeting to assess the situation after the discovery of a new variant of Kovid, Omikron, in foreign countries. The threat to the new variant comes just days after the lifting of international travel restrictions on India. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has already demanded the suspension of flights from Omikron-certified countries.
The Prime Minister convened the high-level meeting after finding that the Omicron variant of the B1.1.592 virus, or Kovid, which has been confirmed in South Africa and Europe, is highly contagious. The meeting also discussed reports that the new variant would overcome the vaccine resistance. The Center had earlier directed the states to be more vigilant and increase inspections. The Prime Minister also assessed the current Kovid prevention activities and vaccination rates in the country.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister PK Mishra, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Justice Commission member Dr VK Paul. The meeting also assessed the circumstances under which the international travel ban has been lifted in the current context. As the ban will be lifted from December 15, the situation will be crucial. At the same time, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Twitter that the country was having a hard time overcoming Kovid and should do everything possible to prevent the new variant from reaching India. Many states, including Gujarat, have tightened controls at airports for travelers from Omikron-certified countries.
Will the world and the recovering economy collapse again as Omikron worries?
Countries around the world have suspended flights to Africa following the discovery of a new strain of the new corona virus strain in South Africa. Although it has been confirmed in less than 50 people, experts believe the new virus may have already spread to thousands of people.
The new corona virus, which was confirmed in South Africa on November 24, is known as omicron. The World Health Organization (WHO) named the virus after the Greek alphabet, recognizing it as a ‘worrying variant’. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the virus, which has rapid mutations and is highly contagious, to be the worst variant of the corona virus.
The virus has already spread from South Africa to Belgium, Israel, Hong Kong and Botswana. However, it is estimated that the virus may have reached many countries without being identified. The virus is said to have the largest transmission potential ever discovered. It is also suspected that the new variant has the potential to bypass vaccines. People who were once infected are more likely to get the disease again because they have changed so much from the original corona virus. The whole of Europe was in a state of panic when the first Omikron case was reported in Belgium in Western Europe. About 600 passengers on board the airliner where the patient arrived have been shifted for observation.
As a precautionary measure, the European Union imposed a ban on people from Africa. Countries such as the United States, Japan, Singapore, the UAE and Brazil have all banned travel to seven African countries. South Africa has called on the world community not to isolate itself and prevent air travel in the name of disease. The World Health Organization also called for an indiscriminate ban on unnecessary fears. The World Trade Organization meeting in Geneva has been postponed. The Indian cricket team’s tour of South Africa was also called off. The Indian A team currently based in South Africa may drop out of the tour. The BCCI has said that the decision on the tour will be taken only after the central government approves it. The Dutch team left the tour and returned from South Africa. Home countries have been urging athletes in Africa to return immediately and join the quarantine for various sporting events.
Last Updated Nov 27, 2021, 3:15 PM IST
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