Omicron Variant of Corona in India, Third Wave and Steps Taken By Indian Government

In spite of the fact that the Coronavirus has been around for more than 2 years now, there is a new variation of this virus emerging every month or two, posing a new threat to humanity. As people all over the world began to feel secure about their safety, a new variation of Corona emerged. Currently, a new variant of Corona named Omicron (B.1.1.529), also known as B.1.1.529, is posing an imminent threat to the world.

As a result of the emergence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529), a new variant of the Covid, many are becoming concerned all around the world. Initially detected in South Africa, this variant has now been flagged as a "variant of concern" by the World Health Organization (WHO), as it is believed to be more infectious than previous strains. Apart from South Africa, several other countries have reported cases of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, including Germany, Israel, Australia, and others. In the scientific community, this has raised concerns, as researchers fear this might spark outbreaks in other countries and cripple health systems once more.

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Third Wave of Corona May be triggered in India by Omicron (B.1.1.529)?

• The experts from India stated that it is not yet possible to say if we are facing a third wave. Having seen how India has behaved over the last few months if the Omicron (B.1.1.529) were to enter the country, it could turn out to be disastrous.
• The only way to remain safe from Covid is by taking appropriate behavior as well as vaccination," said an expert. We must maintain all precautions and not lower our guard.
• It will take 15-20 days to understand the true mortality of a variant, according to another expert. "So far, not enough data have been collected to determine whether the variant is immune evading or serious. On the other hand, South Africa's data shows its disease transmission rate is exceedingly high. In comparison with the delta variant (1.64), this variant has a Rate of Infection of two.
• Health officials in South Africa said the new variant has more mutations than scientists expected, in part because the Delta variant was the catalyst for the previous severe wave. The mutations have the potential to evade the immune system and spread the disease. Viruses carry a large number of mutations in their spike protein, a key component of their entry into cells.

In response to the Omicron (B.1.1.529) Coronavirus, what steps has the Indian government taken so far?

• According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, an urgent meeting was convened by Union Home Secretary Rajesh Bhushan following a review of the situation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi because of the threat posed by the Covid-19 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant.
• MHA said at the meeting that measures to strengthen prevention were discussed, considering the current global situation. The Center is now revising its SOP for testing and observing international travelers, especially those from risk countries.
• Furthermore, Covid-19 genomic surveillance will be further enhanced. Health Ministry has instructed the states to review detailed travel histories of passengers arriving via international flights and to guarantee that travelers from countries at risk are tested following WHO classification of Omicron (B.1.1.529) as a variant of concern.
• The ministry urged that samples testing positive for Covid be sent for genome sequencing as soon as possible.
• While urging states to bolster their surveillance of international travelers, Bhushan said there is already a reporting method for getting past travel records of international passengers.
• Health Ministry representatives asked states to monitor hotspots, where a high number of positive cases have recently emerged.
• Besides ordering intensive measures to contain the virus, Bhushan also requested states monitor the outbreak to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviors are being followed, and increase vaccination coverage.
• In response to the prevalence of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) strain of COVID-19 in the UK and other European countries, and 11 other countries designated by the government as at "at-risk", the Center revised its guidelines for international arrivals on Sunday.
• International passengers will be required to submit the last two weeks of their travel history upon arrival in the country.
• A number of countries in Europe have been designated as 'at-risk countries by government agencies, including the United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Israel.
• It was announced by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that the government will emphasize Genomic Surveillance of inbound passengers from countries deemed at risk.

Views of the AIIMS Chief on Omicron (B.1.1.529) Variant of Corona:

There are reportedly over 30 mutations in the spike protein region of the new Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, which could give it the ability to develop an immunoescape mechanism, AIIMS head Dr. Randeep Guelria said recently.

In addition to making a virus transmissible and causing infection, spike protein facilitates the entry of a virus into the host. “There are more than 30 mutations in the spike protein region of this newly discovered coronavirus, which gives it the potential to develop immunoescape mechanisms. According to AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guelria, since most vaccines eventually form antibodies against the spike protein, the possibility of many mutations in the spike protein region might lead to decreased efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines.