There have been two more cases of the Omicron variant of Coronavirus confirmed in Gujarat today. It has been confirmed in two peopel who came into contact with the first known case in the state, bringing the case count to 3, whereas there are 25 cases in India as a whole.

The first case of the Omicron variant was found in an NRI residing in Zimbabwe, and the two others are his wife and one of his relatives who came into contact with him. Municipal Commissioner has said that both the patients are stable and they are asymptomatic at present. The daily cases of coronavirus in Gujarat have also seen a slight uptick recently. On Thursday there were 70 patients whereas there were 45 the week before.

Three people who returned from the United Kingdom (UK) to Goa have also been found COVID positive although it is not clear yet whether they are infected with the Omicron variant. All 237 passengers on the flight AI 146 which landed from the UK to Goa International Airport were tested and three were found positive. The others have been asked to observe strict home isolation for eight days as well following which they will be tested again.

Similarly, another returnee from Britain landed in Kolkata and was found COVID positive, following which her samples were sent for genome sequencing, and the patient has been shifted to Beleghata ID hospital. Maharashtra Dy. Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has said that 5 out of the 7 found positive with the Omicron variant are now OVID negative.

The WHO has stated that it is still not clear whether a booster shot, i.e., an extra vaccine shot over and above two doses, is required against the Omicron variant. It also said that hoarding vaccines in the wake of the Omicron infections will further vaccine inequalities worldwide.