Thiruvananthapuram, First Published Dec 23, 2021, 3:08 PM IST
Thiruvananthapuram: Five more Omicron cases have been confirmed in the state today. With this, the total number of Omicron cases in Kerala has increased to 29. Omikron confirmed this to 4 people who arrived at Ernakulam airport and one person from Kozhikode. Two people from the UK (28, 24), one from Albania (35) and one from Pathanamthitta (40) from Nigeria were diagnosed with the disease in Ernakulam.
The 28-year-old hails from Kottayam and came to Ernakulam from the UK. Kozhikode Omicron Certified (21) arrived in Kozhikode from Bangalore Airport. A total of 29 people in the state have so far been confirmed by Omicron. 17 are from high risk countries and 10 are from low risk countries. Omicron was infected through contact with two people.
Omikron confirmers arrived in Ernakulam on December 15, 19 and 20. The Pathanamthitta native arrived in Ernakulam on December 14 from Nigeria. Kovid confirmed he was 18 at home quarantine. Father, mother, wife and two children are on the contact list. The person who was diagnosed with Kozhikode disease arrived at Bangalore airport on December 17 and reached Kozhikode on December 19. Following Kovid’s positive, samples were sent to the Rajiv Gandhi Center for Biotechnology for genetic testing. That is what Omikron confirmed. All are being treated in hospitals. Their contact list is being prepared.
Minister Veena George has suggested that everyone should wear masks for self-defense in the event of an outbreak of Omikron cases. Christmas celebrations are coming up. The minister also demanded that the mask be made mandatory during celebrations.
Meanwhile, 33 new Omikron cases were reported in the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu today alone. This brings the total number of reported cases of Kovid Omicron variant in the state to 34. Of these, 26 cases are in Chennai. With Pongal and Jallikattu coming, the situation is of great concern. So far, only one person has been confirmed by Omicron in Tamil Nadu. But in a single day, it rose to 34. With 26 positive cases in densely populated Chennai, the situation is critical. The health department said it had begun work to locate those in contact. Four cases were reported in Madurai, two in Thiruvanmalai and one in Salem.
What is Omicron?
Omicron or B is a new variant of the SARS corona virus-2. 1. 1. 529. Omikron reported last November 22 in South Africa. This variant has undergone more than 30 protein modifications. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a variant of Concern, citing its high contagiousness, potential to undermine immunity, and the rapid increase in the number of cases in South Africa.
How to check?
RTPCR is the most commonly used and widely accepted method of detecting the SARS Corona 2 virus. However, the presence of omicron was confirmed by omicron genetic testing.
How to be safe?
What makes Omicron even more dangerous is its extreme diffusion potential. The retaliatory measures taken against Kovid so far should continue. It is imperative to wear a mask properly, take two doses of the vaccine, keep a physical distance, wash your hands frequently, and keep as much ventilation as possible in the room.
Last Updated Dec 23, 2021, 3:08 PM IST
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