Health Ministry Warning: Omicron 5 Times More Infectious, Mask ‘Universal’ Vaccine’

Dr VK Paul, member (health), NITI Aayog

New Delhi: The Omicron variant of coronavirus is possibly five times more infectious and has higher transmissibility, the Union Health ministry said on Thursday.

The first two cases of Omicron in India was confirmed to have been detected in Karnataka, one of whom has already recovered and returned to South Africa, but India remains on high alert like the rest of the world.

Also Read: Five Contacts Of One Omicron Patient With No Travel History Test Positive

“Not fear but responsibility is the mantra we will take forward to face the challenges posed by Omicron. We will face the threats with science-driven, experience-driven, preparedness-driven approach,” said Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul.

He added mask is the ‘universal vaccine’ which will stop any variant from entering the body.

The Union Health ministry informed at Thursday’s press briefing that Omicron, since it was detected in southern Africa on November 24, has spread to 30 countries (including India).

A total of 375 Omicron cases have so far been reported from around the world so far.