Covid

Covid cases in China have started surging at an alarming rate forcing the Xi Jinping-led government to rush to create hospitals, the the authorities eased ...

Covid-19: चीन में कहर मचा रहे BF.7 वैरिएंट से भारत को भी खतरा? जानिए इसकी संक्रामकता से लेकर ...

A top infectious disease expert has projected that more than 60 per cent of China's population is likely to be infected by the coronavirus in the next three ...

Worryingly, the infection is rippling out from metros to rural areas. Beijing has emerged as the main infection hot spot, and Shanghai is quickly catching up. However, citing media reports, Feigl-Ding claimed that the deaths in mainland China are being hugely underreported. Already, hospitals are overwhelmed and the government is scrambling to install intensive care beds and build fever screening clinics. The point is China & the world is in deep trouble,” said Feigl-Ding. This is just the start,” said epidemiologist and health economist Eric Feigl-Ding in a Twitter thread.

Cities scrambled to install hospital beds & build fever screening clinics Tuesday as authorities reported five more deaths, with growing concern about virus ...

“The probability of a sudden large mutation … In total, China has reported just 5,242 COVID deaths since the pandemic emerged in the central city of Wuhan in late 2019, a very low toll by global standards. Reuters could not establish if the deaths were due to COVID. “But I support the reopening.” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Monday the potential for the virus to mutate as it spreads in China was “a threat for people everywhere”. “However, inevitably China has to go through a large wave of COVID-19 if it is to reach an endemic state, in a future without lockdowns and the economic and political damage that results.”

China appears to be seeing an increase in Covid deaths across a swath of the country that aren't being reported in government figures, according to social ...

The real number of deaths may also have been masked by a change in how to define a Covid fatality. A screenshot allegedly showing the rising number of obituaries published by a university to commemorate staff who have recently died has also been widely shared. People from Hebei in the north to Guangdong in the south have flocked to China's Twitter-style Weibo platform to post about longer-than-normal queues at funeral homes, and crematoriums handling a growing number of bodies.

Covid in China: चीन में कोरोना वायरस संक्रमण फिर से बेकाबू हो गया है। स्वास्थ्य अधिकारियों ...

बता दें कि इम्यून स्केप एक ऐसी थ्योरी है। जिसमें यह माना जाता है कि संक्रमित व्यक्ति का इम्यून सिस्टम किसी इन्फेक्शन फैलाने वाले एजेंट का प्रतिरोध करने में असफल हो जाती है। इसके अलावा जानकारों का यह भी कहना है कि ओमीक्रोन का BF.7 वेरिएंट का इम्क्यूबेशन पीरियड (incubation period) भी कम होता है। इसकी संक्रमण की दर भी बहुत ज्यादा होती है। यही वजह है कि चीन में अचानक कोरोना के मामले तेजी से बढ़ रहे हैं। चीन की राजधानी बीजिंग (Beijing) में 70 फीसदी आबादी कोविड-19 (Covid-19) के चपेट में आ चुकी है। लोग तेजी से लोग संक्रमित हो रहे हैं। Covid in China: चीन में कोरोना वायरस की नई लहर से तबाही मची हुई है। अस्पताल में मरीजों की भीड़ लगी हुई है। लाखों लोग घरों में कैद होने के लिए मजबूर हो गए हैँ। ऑफिस और अन्य जगहों पर लोगों की जिंदगी अस्त व्यस्त हो गई है। कई लोग घर ही आइसोलेट हैं। मीडिया में आई खबरों के मुताबिक, चीन इस समय कोरोना के सब वेरिएंट BF.7, की मार से जूझ रहा है। बता दें कि B.-7, BA.5.2.1.7 का शॉर्ट फॉर्म है। जो कि कोरोना वेरिएंट BA.5.2.1.7 से म्यूटेट होकर बना है। जानकारों का कहना है कि कोरोना का यह वेरिएंट ओमीक्रोन के BA.1 और BA.2 जैसे सब वेरिएंट के मुकाबले ज्यादा तेजी से संक्रमण फैलाता है। Covid in China: चीन में कोरोना वायरस संक्रमण फिर से बेकाबू हो गया है। स्वास्थ्य अधिकारियों का कहना है कि ओमीक्रोन के दो सब-वेरिएंट्स BA.5.2 और BF.7 की वजह से संक्रमण तेजी से फैल रहा है। ये दोनों ही सब-वेरिएंट्स कोरोना के बाकी वेरिएंट्स मुकाबले काफी संक्रामक हैं। साल 2021 के बाद ऐसा पहली बार है। जब लोग कोरोना की चपेट में तेजी से आ रहे हैं

Coronavirus in China: कोरोना (Corona) संक्रमण में इजाफे के बाद चीन के अस्पतालों में शवों के ढेर लगे ...

[Covid-19: भारत में तेजी से घट रहे कोरोना के नए केस! कोविड-19 (Covid-19) के खिलाफ बढ़ती लड़ाई की अग्रिम पंक्ति में अस्पतालों में चिकित्सा कर्मचारी हैं, जो अपनी जीरो कोविड पॉलिसी में ढील देने के चीन सरकार के फैसले का खामियाजा भुगत रहे हैं. महामारी एक्सपर्ट एरिक फेगल-डिंग ने कहा कि चीन में कोरोना से होने वाली मौतों की संख्या लाखों तक पहुंचने की संभावना है. वैक्सीनेशन की रफ्तार कम होने और कोविड टेस्ट न के बराबर होने से भी हालात काफी खराब हुए हैं. चीन के अस्पतालों में शवों के ढेर के वीडियो सामने आए हैं. कोरोना महामारी एक्सपर्ट का अनुमान है कि कोविड संक्रमण (Corona Infection) की वजह से लाखों की संख्या में लोगों की मृत्यु हो सकती है.

Health authorities reported Tuesday that five people died in the latest 24-hour period, all in Beijing, fueling concern that the toll could rise sharply after ...

Some scientific models have estimated numbers will rise with an eventual death toll in the tens or hundreds of thousands. Vaccination centers visited over recent days have been largely empty and there has been no major publicity drive in the entirely state-controlled media. The moves appear to be in response to worker shortages that have affected medical care and food deliveries. “The current wave of infection resembles an epidemic tsunami,” he said in a Q&A piece published online this week. The announcement Tuesday followed similar ones from the cities of Wuhu in Anhui province and Chongqing earlier this week. Health authorities reported Tuesday that five people died in the latest 24-hour period, all in Beijing, fueling concern that the toll could rise sharply after the lifting of most “zero-COVID” restrictions.

We need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record, Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla.

We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India." [Adar Poonawalla](https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/serum-institute-has-applied-for-full-market-authorisation-of-covishield-adar-poonawalla-11640934308933.html), the CEO and founder of Serum Institute of India, said in a tweet that though news coming out of China is concerning, “we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. - We need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record, Serum Institute of India's Adar Poonawalla

New Delhi: With the surge in COVID-19 cases, crematoria across China are strained beyond capacity in handling a steady stream of dead bodies.

Outside Dongjiao Crematorium located on the outskirts of Beijing, there were more than a dozen vehicles carrying dead bodies waiting to enter the crematorium on Tuesday. An crematorium employee told the news agency that they have been cremating more than 30 bodies a day – a much higher figure than usual. “The number of bodies picked up in recent days is many times more than previously. The issue of strained crematoria is reported from across the country from the northeast to southwest regions. New Delhi: With the surge in COVID-19 cases, crematoria across China are strained beyond capacity in handling a steady stream of dead bodies. Authorities in Chongqing told its 30 million people to go to work even if they experience mild COVID symptoms.

However, the Xi Jinping-led country has narrowed how it defines Covid-related deaths. advertisement. According to Wang Guiqiang, the head of infectious disease ...

That is more than the official death toll of over 6 million for that period. China has long hailed its restrictive 'zero-Covid' approach of lockdowns, quarantines and compulsory testing as keeping case numbers and deaths relatively low. [By India Today Web Desk](/author/india-today-web-desk): Amid a serious outbreak of coronavirus across China, the country has now limited how it defines deaths related to the virus infection. Two of their relatives said their loved ones had died after testing positive for Covid-19. China has changed how it counts deaths related to Covid-19. In Beijing, multiple patients were last week seen being wheeled out of funeral homes.

Herd immunity occurs when a large proportion of a specific population becomes immune to a disease, either by vaccination or by natural infection, ...

According to Dr Kumar, it is unknown what percentage of the populace needs to receive the Covid-19 vaccine (and booster) before herd immunity can start to develop. Dr Kulkarni added that “though the numbers show a decline in India, with the surge of covid cases world wide especially in China, Korea, Japan and USA, we need to be alert”. “This reduction could be attributed to decrease in virulence of the current covid strain, increased vaccination, decrease in testing and development of herd immunity,” Dr Kulkarni said. Currently, China is facing challenges with herd immunity due to prolonged lockdowns and questions about the efficacy of vaccines, which have both contributed to its decrease, Dr Sabnis said. However, WHO supports herd immunity through vaccination and not by allowing disease to spread through any segment of the population, as this would result in “unnecessary cases and deaths”. However, it takes time to develop herd immunity,” Dr Sabnis told [indianexpress.com](https://indianexpress.com).

China only counts deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official COVID-19 death toll, a Chinese health official said, in a narrow definition ...

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's letter to Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot to follow Covid protocols or suspend Bharat Jodo Yatra in “national interest” ...

I think Mansukh Mandaviya doesn’t like Rahul Gandhi ji’s Bharat Jodo Yatra but the people are liking and joining it. If there is a protocol for gatherings Bharat Jodo Yatra will abide by it undoubtedly,” added Mr. "If following COVID protocol is not possible then the Bharat Jodo Yatra be postponed in the national interest, taking note of the public health emergency," the letter further stated. There has been no advisory from the Centre to States of late, except the one issued yesterday on genome sequencing,” Mr. "Follow the COVID guidelines strictly during Bharat Jodo Yatra which is going on in Rajasthan. Only vaccinated people should participate,” said Mr.

'Wearing of mask is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age,' says Dr V K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog.

Its number of confirmed infections has, however, fallen sharply in the past few months, with about 1,200 cases being reported every week at present. The We are prepared to manage any situation," tweeted Mandaviya. "In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. MOST READ Only 27-28% of people have taken precaution dose. Testing is being done in sufficient quantity. Precaution dose is mandated for everyone," said Paul as China's massive wave of Covid infections begins its march across the country. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age," Dr V K Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog told reporters after Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya's meeting on Covid.

Poonawalla's tweet came a day after the Union Health Ministry urged all states and UTs to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

"The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. Of the total stock available at that time, about 100 million doses had already expired, he had said. [rising COVID-19 graph in China](https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinas-crematoriums-packed-as-covid-19-cases-soar/article66285463.ece) but said there is no need to panic as the vaccination coverage in India is excellent.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), BF.7, which is a shorter term for BA.5.2.1.7, is the fastest spreading Covid virus, and is currently ...

RECOMMENDED As per various reports, the Chinese are still vulnerable to the virus because of low vaccination rates and poor investment in emergency care. Unable to revive him, his colleagues moved him out of the chair, The Telegraph video said. and found long lines of funeral vans, hazmat suits, and a stream of mourners. The hospital staff and workers at funeral homes and crematoriums are working overtime to handle the growing number of bodies. Therefore, an infected person will transmit the virus to an average of 10 to 18.6 other people when he or she is in contact. Li Tongzeng, a medical expert at Beijing's Xiaotangshan Hospital, told The Global Times, that the symptoms caused by BF.7 are similar to other Omicron sub-variants. Cases of BF.7 subvariant hit the US in October, while in the UK over 7 per cent of the cases were of this variant. China reported five deaths on Monday and two on Sunday, according to a Reuters report, taking its total death count to 5,242. Li said BF.7 is believed to have an R0, or basic reproduction number, of 10 to 18.6. According to World Health Organization (WHO), BF.7, which is a shorter term for BA.5.2.1.7, is the fastest spreading Covid virus. China has so far reported 3,101 new symptomatic Covid infections on Tuesday, of which 3,049 were domestic cases.

So far, two cases of Omicron BF.7 have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha.

As per the data, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha. So far, two cases of Omicron BF.7 have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha

Two cases of BF.7, a variant of Covid-19 that is driving the surge in infections in China, has been detected in Gujarat's Vadodara and Ahmedabad.

According to the civic body, the man came from abroad in September and contracted Covid-19. The health department is collecting 7,000-8,000 samples on a daily basis for Covid tests. The condition of the woman is normal. According to Vadodara Municipal Commissioner Banchhanidhi Pani, the NRI woman came from the United States to Vadodara in November and after a week, she tested positive for Covid-19. The civic chief said the woman was inoculated with three doses of the Pfizer vaccine. Four cases of BF.7 variant of Omicron, which is responsible for the surge in Covid-19 cases in China, have been found in India, sources in the Union Health Ministry told India Today.

3 cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, driving China's COVID surge, detected in India; Govt advises people to mask up, get vaccinated; ...

“We are prepared to tackle any situation in the state. “We have combated three COVID waves successfully and are confident of countering any situation”. The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. We have a good number of doctors and para-medics, sufficient masks, oxygen supplies and ample number of beds in different hospitals and medical colleges to address the situation if there is a spurt in COVID cases,” the official said. Paul, the secretaries of health, department of pharmaceuticals, department of biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr. 20 the State reported 7 new COVID positive case, while the figures for Dec. Secretary Pharma and Ayush were asked to keep stock of medicines that were used during COVID as a precautionary measure. Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries across the world such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the United States, Mr. Paul, after the meeting, said people should take the jab and also wear masks in crowded places. This would facilitate the undertaking of appropriate public health measures. Noting that only 27% to 28% of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

Experts believe that over one million people will die in China if the government lifts its zero-covid policy.

According to official estimates, as of December 20, the country has registered 10,072,004 illnesses and 31,309 fatalities. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_INDIA”. On December 20, the number of active illnesses was as low as 3,408. According to local media sources citing the Chinese government, almost 90% of the population over the age of 18 has been vaccinated with two doses of a Chinese vaccine that may protect against severe sickness but may not protect against infection. There have been stories of hospitals in various Chinese cities, notably Beijing, being overrun with patients and mortuaries filled with the remains of those who died from the sickness, however, the Chinese government has yet to issue an official statement on hospitalised patients.

The Chinese government has so far remained silent on the number of deaths. However, the Chinese authorities have warned of successive waves of COVID ...

Experts predict over 1 million deaths in China after the government lifted its zero-covid policy. Will the crisis spill over to India?

The most common COVID variant at the moment in China, where an increasing number of cases have shocked the entire world, is Omicron BF.7.

According to reports, the BF.7 Omicron variant easily infects people and spreads more quickly than other strains. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). [Covid BF.7 variant](/topic/covid-bf-7-variant)has the strongest transmission capacity. The [BF.7](/topic/bf-7)virus, which according to WHO officials are the [Covid](/coronavirus)virus that is spreading the fastest in Beijing, is having a devastating effect on the city's health networks as thousands of people rush to fever clinics in search of immediate treatment. Omicron has outlasted all other variants and has maintained its position as the dominant variant for more than a year. Additionally, it is discovered that everyone is affected by the variant equally, regardless of vaccination history.

China only counts deaths from pneumonia or respiratory failure in its official COVID-19 death toll, a Chinese health official said, in a narrow definition ...

That is more than the official death toll of over 6 million for that period. Multiple people told the AP then that their elderly family members who tested positive for COVID-19 and died were not counted in the city's official death toll. But experts have repeatedly advised that authorities should err on the side of caution while counting deaths. When patients had underlying diseases, the deaths were attributed to those. China has always been conservative in how it counts illnesses, whether from the flu or COVID-19. The clarification of how China officially records COVID-19 deaths comes as cases have soared across the country amid the loosening of restrictions.

V.K. Paul made the statements following a review meeting held by Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya amid a surge in COVID-19 cases globally, ...

Arora attended the meeting among others. New Delhi: Only 27-28% of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V.K. In view of th erise in cases in Japan, the US, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, the Union health ministry on Tuesday had urged all states and Union Territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of COVID-19 positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.

Here's a status check on Covid cases in India and the world, and the steps the government is taking.

There have also been reports of a surge in cases and deaths from China as the country eased its “zero Covid-19” policy earlier this month. Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same.” The government has now advised people to wear masks in crowded places and get the booster dose of the Covid vaccine. Also, labs have been testing for viral RNA in the sewage system. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take the precaution dose. [COVID-19](https://indianexpress.com/about/coronavirus/) in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today.

ओमिक्रॉन के सब वैरिएंट BF.7 के तीन मामले अब तक भारत में पाए गए हैं जिनकी वजह से चीन में ...

चीन में कोरोना वायरस से मच रही तबाही की खबरों के बीच यूके के कई हिस्सों में भी कोविड-19 संक्रमण के बढ़ने के मामले सामने आए हैं। दिसंबर के शुरुआत में मामले 13 लाख तक पहुंच गए थे। हालांकि, ये आंकड़ा अब भी पिछले साल के कहर से कम है। इसी बीच कोरोना वायरस इन्फेक्शन के 10 सबसे आम लक्षणों की लिस्ट में भी बदलाव आए हैं। आइए जानें कि अब कोविड के आम लक्षणों में क्या-क्या शामिल है। नई दिल्ली, एजेंसी। देश में ओमिक्रॉन के सब वैरिएंट BF.7 के चार मामलों की पुष्टि हुई है। कोरोना के नए संस्करण के कारण ही चीन में कोविड के मामलों में तेज बढ़ोतरी देखी जा रही है। गुजरात जैव प्रौद्योगिकी अनुसंधान केंद्र द्वारा अक्टूबर में भारत में BF.7 के पहले मामले का पता चला था। जानकारी के मुताबिक, गुजरात में दो और ओडिशा में भी दो पॉजिटिव केस सामने आए हैं। ओमिक्रॉन के सब वैरिएंट BF.7 के चार मामले अब तक भारत में पाए गए हैं। इसी वैरिएंट के चलते चीन में कोरोना संक्रमण के मामलों में तेज बढ़ोतरी देखी जा रही है। देश में अब तक गुजरात और ओडिशा में नए मामले सामने आए हैं।

Chinese cities are reportedly witnessing a wave of Covid-19 cases after Beijing loosened 'Covid Zero' protocols that had kept the pandemic at bay.

You didn't know what will keep it under control and the only way to deal with the unknown was to have a lockdown. And the second part more concerning at some levels is that you may have newer mutations which may cause a problem," he said. "From the FICCI perspective, I hope we don't have to revive the Covid task force." The people in the largest economy are walking around with a little white card, how do you ensure that is genuine? The government carried out the world's largest vaccination drive smoothly and ensured all documentations are electronic. "Now if there are sectors that are China-specific, they will face disruption. As a manufacturer to the world, any disruption to exports may result in shortages that could drive up inflation internationally. China, he said, plays a significant role in global supply chains. "I don't think there is a need to panic. “From India Inc's perspective, the Indian economy and Indian corporates are resilient. We have a situation where cyclical sectors are concerned, corporate balance sheets are significantly deleveraged. Stating that he would not like to speculate on the reported outbreak in China, he said, "I hope for the sake of the world and I hope for the sake of the Chinese population that these are mostly mild cases and it is not disruptive beyond a certain point."

The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. So far, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while ...

The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. [Latest India News](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news)along with [Latest News](https://www.hindustantimes.com/latest-news)and [Top Headlines](https://www.hindustantimes.com/)from India and around the world. So far, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha, they said. [Omicron subvariant BF.7,](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjp5PTj2or8AhVyynMBHZJuCQsQFnoECBkQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hindustantimes.com%2Ftopic%2Fcovid-19%2Fnews&usg=AOvVaw0FbhEnTCJ1JnhPXqaxFPe0) apparently the strain driving China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far, official sources said Wednesday. So far, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha. 3 cases of Covid variant driving massive China surge detected in India

The government's decision to re-introduce the Covid-19 testing related measures at airports comes as a part of preventive measures being taken up as ...

Surge in Covid cases in China has sent alarm bells ringing · The Union health ministry on Wednesday took stock of Covid situation in the country · Several state ...

The homeless shelters have also been asked to ensure social distancing protocols are followed. The new variant has not found in Maharashtra as of now,” Tanaji Sawant said. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to take steps to protect themselves from getting infected by the virus. A review meeting was held on Wednesday under Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel over the Covid-19 situation. A high level meeting will be chaired by the Chief Minister to discuss next steps,” the Karnataka health minister said. We are taking precautions, I appeal to people to get vaccinated soon,” Yashpal Garg, Health Secretary, was quoted as saying by ANI. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a meeting with top officials and experts on the Covid-19 situation in the country. The Center has also instructed us to be alert according to the manner in which the picture is seen in the media from China. CM Arvind Kejriwal himself is monitoring the preparedness," a senior Delhi government official was quoted as saying by PTI. K Sudhakar further said that the state government will start screening international passengers at Bengaluru airport. [asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour](https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/health-minister-covid-review-meeting-mansukh-mandaviya-outbreak-china-top-points-2311767-2022-12-21), including wearing masks in crowded places, and get vaccinated. Measures have been taken to send samples for genomic sequencing to trace new variants as per centre's guildelines.

BF.7 was identified in four cases in Gujarat and Odisha, but not linked to increased severity or infectiousness, say officials after Health Minister's ...

[XBB, a recombinant variant](https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/health/covid-19-mild-disease-no-severity-among-indian-patients-insacog-on-omicrons-xbb-variant/article66085987.ece) that was a combination of two lineages (BJ.1 and BA.2.75) but was “highly infectious,” responsible for a surge in many countries and which had the potential to evade antibodies from existing vaccines. “A new and highly transmissible BF.7 strain of the Omicron variant has been found to be behind a wider surge of covid infections in China,” it added. However, modelling studies estimate a spike in cases in China in early January and two other spikes in mid-January and February because of a rise in travel. That BF.7 is responsible for China’s current spike is just a conjecture based on very limited samples, though it’s almost quite certain it’s some Omicron-linked variant,” said [Vinod Scaria](https://www.thehindu.com/profile/author/Vinod-Scaria-14313/), of the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology. They believe this has resulted in a large number of people who were unexposed to variants such as Alpha and Delta now being infected by the Omicron subvariant. In India, so far about 2.2 crore vaccines have been administered, though only around 28% of those above 18 years have had three doses. The dominant variant in India currently is Omicron AB5, (which is linked to BF.7) athough this is based on extremely limited numbers. Some studies expected a million COVID-19 deaths in China in the coming days. Officially, only 5,200 peope have died from COVID-19 in China over the last three years. Globally however, there has been a rise in daily average cases in the last six weeks, with about 6 lakh instances reported weekly as of December 19, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Omicron BF.7 was detected in Odisha in a single sample tested on September 30, 2022, the State’s Health and Family Welfare department said on Wednesday. In the 3 months since, no other sample of BF.7 has been detected in Odisha,” it added.

Reports coming from China show a large number of bodies piling up at hospitals, morgues, and crematorium grounds with days of waiting periods.

The country's National Health Commission reported 2,656 cases and five deaths on Monday. By March, the number of deaths in China could rise to close to 9,000 a day by the end of March. In fact, many mathematical models and studies predict close to millions of deaths in the next few months. Wang Guiqiang, an adviser to China's National Health Commission, said that deaths caused by pneumonia and respiratory failure will be classified as Covid deaths, while deaths caused by other underlying diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, will not be counted as infection-induced deaths. But the authorities reported only five deaths on Tuesday and an average of 1,801 cases per day in the last week - a number that does not look convincing for many who have been tracking the crisis in China. Reports coming from China show a large number of bodies piling up at hospitals, morgues, and crematorium grounds with days of waiting periods.

An official release stated that Health Minister gave the administration instructions to remain vigilant and take all necessary precautions to stop the ...

Meanwhile, three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, apparently the strain driving China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far, ...

TRENDING MOST READ We will start screening passengers there," Sudhakar said. Official sources told PTI that the first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. After the meeting, Mandaviya said COVID-19 is not over yet. At present, only different variants of Omicron are spreading in the country. "We will have to take certain precautionary measures in the wake of global situation. ''I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. Even today, the Delta variant is being seen somewhere in the country," sources told India Today. Noting that only 27-28 per cent of India's eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul, after the meeting, said people should take the jab and also wear masks in crowded places.

New Delhi: Covid-19 cases are rising in several countries including China, as the BF.7 variant of the omicron virus spreads rapidly.

Mint explains the spurt in China and if we should be worried. India is strengthening surveillance, even though the country has reported a decline in cases and deaths. - BF.7 is a sub-variant of omicron that has spread in China, Japan, Korea, US and other countries

Meanwhile, four cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 - said to be driving China's current surge - were also detected in India. While three cases have been ...

7) Maharashtra health minister Tanaji Sawant said no case of the Omicron sub-variant has been reported in Maharashtra and insisted there was no need to fear. Meanwhile, four cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7 - said to be driving China's current surge - were also detected in India. Officials said the strain was detected on September 30. All the infected persons have recovered and are back to normal life,” said Manoj Aggarwal, additional chief secretary, health and family welfare. 2) All three patients in Gujarat recovered in home isolation without the need for hospitalization. It also directed sample testing at random at airports for passengers arriving from China and other countries.

India's health ministry is on alert following a surge of Covid cases in neighbouring China. The government has instructed states to ensure genome sequencing ...

Millions were affected and more than 530,000 people died, according to official figures. [likely to be much higher](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-60981318) as many cases people who died were not tested or reported into official figures.The government had also come under heavy criticism for its poor preparation during the second wave in the summer of 2021 as many people died due to lack of oxygen and critical medicines. In a letter to all states, federal health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said it was important to track new variants through genome sequencing due to the "sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China". On Tuesday, the federal government asked states to send Covid samples of all positive patients to labs runs by INSACOG, a forum under the health ministry which studies and monitors various strains of Covid in India. [growing concerns](https://www.bbc.com/news/59882774) over the spread of Covid in China following the recent easing of strict lockdown measures. The government has instructed states to ensure genome sequencing of all positive cases in the country.

Four cases of BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in India so far. The variant is driving the surge of Covid-19 cases in China.

The Central and state governments have gone on an alert mode following a spike in Covid-19 cases in China. Several state governments also announced a slew of measures to contain spread of infection. The state governments have also been asked to step up genome sequencing and take measures to check the spread of virus. While two have been detected in Gujarat, one case has been traced to Odisha. The cases of BF.7 variant have been detected in Gujarat and Odisha, as per sources. Four cases of BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron has been detected in India so far.

Chinese human right activist Jennifer Zeng, citing social media posts, claimed that Chen Jiahui's, 23, parents “were forced to promise not to perform an ...

“His parents were forced to promise not to perform an autopsy before they were allowed to take the body away. Meanwhile, in another tweet, Jenniffer shared a video of a “funeral home in Beijing”. Sharing another video, Jennifer said it is said to be “the video when they put a ‘rescue show’". “His body was pressed so hard that his ribs were broken and his organs were shattered. “In order not to take responsibility, when all medical data showed that he was already dead, the hospital put on a show of trying to ‘save him’. After 3 days of high-intensity work, on Dec 13, he suddenly passed out, and died 30 minutes after he was rushed to West China Hospital.”

As China and some other countries report a sudden rise in Covid cases, the head of the World Health Organization said he was "very concerned" and he has ...

The head of the World Health Organisation said the agency is very concerned about rising reports of severe coronavirus disease across China after the ...

People who die of COVID die from many different (organ) systems' failures, given the severity of infection, Ryan said. Beijing did agree to allow a shipment of the BioNTech-Pfizer vaccine to be imported, for Germans living in China. In May, WHO estimated there were nearly 15 million He added that while China has dramatically increased its capacity to vaccinate people in recent weeks, it's unclear whether that will be enough. [World Health Organisation](/topic/world-health-organisation) said the agency is very concerned about rising reports of severe [coronavirus](/about/what-is-coronavirus) disease across [China](/topic/china) after the country largely abandoned its zero COVID policy, warning that its lagging vaccination rate could result in large numbers of vulnerable people getting infected. The head of the

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she would form a committee, that will be headed by the health secretary, to monitor the Covid situation ...

"This time, we are trying to organise the mela in an eco-friendly manner. Mamata Banerjee said she has also requested the Indian railways to increase the frequency of trains plying between Howrah, Sealdah and Namkhana. The holy bath will start from January 14," she said. She went on to explain how China was following restrictions earlier but the situation spiralled out of control after the curbs were lifted. "Makar Sankranti will be observed on January 15. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that she would form a committee, that will be headed by the health secretary, to monitor the Covid situation in the state.

The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) expressed concern on Wednesday over the evolving COVID situation in China, as it continues to receive ...

“We continue to call on China to share the data and conduct the studies we have requested, and which we continue to request”, Tedros said, noting that “all hypotheses about the origins of this pandemic remain on the table”. “Certainly, we are in a much better place with the pandemic than we were a year ago, when we were in the early stages of the Omicron wave, with rapidly increasing cases and deaths”, the senior UN official continued. “That’s not to mention the multiple other threats to health that people face year in, year out, in the air they breathe, the products they consume, the conditions in which they live and work, and in their lack of access to essential health services”, Tedros said.

Experts, while underscoring the need to be alert, said there was no reason for alarm since no worrying new variant has been detected yet and baseline ...

According to government data, India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases with average daily cases falling to 158 in the week ending December 19, 2022. States/UTs have been requested to send samples of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) on a daily basis, for sequencing, to track new variants, if any,” the health ministry said in a statement. “The news of rising Covid cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. “Over the past one year, we have consistently seen infections stemming from the sub-lineages of the Omicron variant and there hasn’t been any dramatic new variant. It’s been a few months that the sublineage has been around but we haven’t seen any clustering or rise in hospitalisations. One in July, two in September, and one in November this year; and despite this, there has been no escalation in cases seen so far from any part of the country. People need to be careful, especially when visiting crowded and indoor spaces,” said an expert present in the meeting, asking not to be named. Mandaviya asked states to strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples in order to track any worrying new variant. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. Speaking to HT separately later, Paul added that there was no need for alarm since the variant in China, BF.7 (actually a sub-lineage of the BA5 Omicron variant that India is no stranger to), has already been found in India and did not lead to any spikes. “People should wear masks in crowded areas. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

The Karnataka government has decided to “monitor” passenger arrivals at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru in the wake of a surge in ...

[Dailymotion ](https://www.dailymotion.com/DeccanHerald) [Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/deccanherald/) [Twitter ](https://twitter.com/DeccanHerald) A decision was already taken a month ago to increase sewage surveillance sites in the state, said Rohan Pais, CEO of Infectious Diseases Research Foundation, which has been conducting the surveillance as per government directions. He convened a meeting with officials at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi to take stock of the situation and directed the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) to hold a meeting. Currently, the number of samples with Ct (cycle threshold) value above 25 (which is required for sequencing) is low,” said TAC chairman Dr M K Sudarshan, prior to the TAC meeting on Wednesday night.

Health professionals across the country urged people to abide by the Covid protocols in light of the recent spike in cases of the disease in China and other ...

The Covid surge in China is driven by a complete reversal of its zero-Covid policy. While infections have touched all-time high, epidemiologists have warned ...

We may see some restrictions in export and imports coming from the central government (to keep domestic prices under control)," said commodity analyst Rahul Chauhan. "This, in turn, will impact container movement and disturb the supply chains," he said. Smartphone brands are expected to face a supply crunch for components from the middle of next month if the current Covid surge continues in China, according to market trackers. Garment manufacturers and exporters in India source accessories from China which are required for manufacturing. While infections have touched all-time high, epidemiologists have warned at this rate almost 60% of the Chinese population will get Covid in the next 90 days and there could be multiple such waves. With the [Chinese New Year](/topic/chinese-new-year)holidays too around the corner, which could cause shipment delays, many Indian companies are placing orders in bulk to ensure that they have enough stock of components and raw material, said industry insiders.

BF.7 in India will be different from that of China, experts have assured as the China population did not develop herd immunity because of stringent lockdown ...

Neither of the four BF.7 cases in India was serious. There are 10 different variants of SARS-CoV-2 in India and BF.7 is the latest of them. The patients recovered in home isolation and did not require hospitalisation. Delta which drove the second wave of the pandemic in India is still there. People have been advised to bring back the masks in crowded places. [Four cases of BF.7](https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-advises-caution-masks-says-don-t-panic-over-covid-101671646568929.html), the new variant behind the surge of Covid cases in China, have been detected in India prompting the Centre and the states to up their guards against the infectious variant. One infected person can spread the Covid infection to 10 to 18 people, going by its average reproduction number of 10 to 18.6. Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a review meeting and stressed the need for caution. It is believed to have the strongest infection ability among the Omicron subvariants. There is no active case of BF.7 in India. WHO 'very concerned' over evolving Covid situation in China](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/who-very-concerned-over-evolving-covid-situation-in-china-101671637767003.html) While the situation is worrying in China with millions of deaths being forecast in the coming months, India's case will be different, experts are hopeful.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday wrote to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot asking them to either follow all Covid-19 ...

The BF.7 variant that is thought to be driving the surge in China was reported in India in September and November, but did not spread. Most experts believe that deadly waves like the ones of August-October 2020 and April-May 2021 are now unlikely. The Health Ministry’s advisories on measures such as masking up and maintaining social distance continue, but are no longer enforceable by law. The order effectively signalled a return to full normalcy from April 1. [Please ensure that…all Covid-19 guidelines are strictly followed, masks and sanitisers are used, and only those vaccinated against Covid-19 participate. [Yatra](https://indianexpress.com/about/yatra/) were being singled out, while the [BJP](https://indianexpress.com/about/bjp/)’s own yatras in Rajasthan and Karnataka, and the Winter Session of Parliament continued.

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday wrote to Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot asking them to either follow all Covid-19 ...

The BF.7 variant that is thought to be driving the surge in China was reported in India in September and November, but did not spread. Most experts believe that deadly waves like the ones of August-October 2020 and April-May 2021 are now unlikely. The Health Ministry’s advisories on measures such as masking up and maintaining social distance continue, but are no longer enforceable by law. The order effectively signalled a return to full normalcy from April 1. [Please ensure that…all Covid-19 guidelines are strictly followed, masks and sanitisers are used, and only those vaccinated against Covid-19 participate. [Yatra](https://indianexpress.com/about/yatra/) were being singled out, while the [BJP](https://indianexpress.com/about/bjp/)’s own yatras in Rajasthan and Karnataka, and the Winter Session of Parliament continued.

BF 7 Covid variant: चीन के अलावा कई देशों में बढ़े कोरोना के मामलों ने भारत में भी चिंता बढ़ा दी ...

PM Modi to review the situation related to Covid-19 and related aspects in the country at a high-level meeting today afternoon, news agency ANI reported.