Covid cases in India

Centre said all states are requested to ensure that samples of all positive cases are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Laboratories that are mapped to ...

According to reports, Chinese cities are currently hit by the highly transmissible Omicron strains mainly BA.5.2 and BF.7. The nation, which abandoned its stringent anti-virus controls earlier this month, reported seven deaths in the last two days due to the virus. [INSACOG](https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/explained-what-insacog-indias-network-labs-sequence-genome-covid-19-coronavirus-7916090/) Genome Laboratories that are mapped to states and UTs on a daily basis.

COVID-19 horror stories leaking out of China and new cases reported from the US have prompted the centre to be prepared for any situation.

The US State Department said the surge was now a matter of international concern. Genome sequencing is a technique used to identify and understand the characteristics of new virus strains. Some 35 lakh Covid cases continue to be reported every week globally, the centre said.

NTAGI chief Dr NK Arora said that it is important to closely monitor the surge in Covid-19 cases in China. He added that the situation is under control in ...

Dr NK Arora, the head of Covid-19 Task Group in National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NTAGI), said that while it is important to closely monitor the situation in China, the situation in India is under control. Important to keep close vigil on Chinese situation but no need to panic as situation is in control,” NK Arora. NTAGI chief Dr NK Arora said that it is important to closely monitor the surge in Covid-19 cases in China.

China Covid outbreak: The Health Ministry urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of ...

10 points](https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/world/china-covid-explosion-epidemiologist-warning-for-world-three-new-covid-waves-60-percent-chinese-will-be-infected-2022-12-20-832781) ALSO READ The minister will review the COVID-19 situation at 11 am on Wednesday considering the international scenario, they said.

The Indian government seeing a rise in global Covid-19 cases have taken steps to avoid another wave of the pandemic in the country.

The number of Covid cases in China has surged at an alarming rate, raising concern in India as Health Ministry issues a fresh advisory.

Meanwhile, health experts in China have said that an explosive Covid wave can hit the globe soon, and around 10 percent of the entire population will be left infected. The Health Ministry will also chair a review meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. In the midst of the explosive surge in Covid cases in China, the authorities in India have decided to take prompt action and issue an immediate health advisory.

A spurt in coronavirus cases has been reported in China, the United States, and South Korea.

Despite 90% of the population having been vaccinated, less than half of those over 80 years of age have been triple-vaccinated in China. Officially, in China, only 5,200 persons have died of COVID-19 in three years. The lifting of curbs in China, media reports suggest, has resulted in a spurt in infections.

In a letter seen by AFP, the ministry said that it is "essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples" in order to track any new ...

3 mins read 10 mins read [India](/topic/india)'s federal health ministry instructed state authorities on Tuesday to step up genome sequencing of [Covid](/coronavirus)cases in view of a "sudden spurt" in cases in [China](/topic/china)and elsewhere.

Amid a fresh spurt in COVID-19 cases in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China and the US, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will review the pandemic ...

"In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Laboratories that are mapped to states and UTs," he added. "In view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network," he said. Earlier on Tuesday, the Health Ministry urged all states and Union territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of newer variants.

India's federal health ministry instructed state authorities on Tuesday to step up genome sequencing of COVID cases in view of a "sudden spurt" in cases in ...

"In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent" to nationally designated genome sequencing laboratories, the letter said. [letter](https://medicalxpress.com/tags/letter/) seen by AFP, the ministry said that it is "essential to gear up the [whole genome](https://medicalxpress.com/tags/whole+genome/) sequencing of positive case samples" in order to track any new variants. India's federal health ministry instructed state authorities on Tuesday to step up genome sequencing of COVID cases in view of a "sudden spurt" in cases in China and elsewhere.

The virtual meeting will start at 11 AM IST on Wednesday, where the officials will take a decision on the preventive measures to stop the virus from ...

All these happened just at the time when life started to go back to normalcy and people ignored the basic safety protocols of the pandemic. The condition took a worse turn within a span of just a few weeks, leaving hospitals in most of the developed countries battling with the surge in infection cases. The health ministry will also review the COVID-19 situation in other countries and the possible variants that are driving the cases (primarily in China, South Korea, Brazil, Japan, and US). In India, the worse condition of the virus infection was recorded in the ferocious second wave of the pandemic which left the country with thousands of deaths (at least one from each house was infected and suffered the worse symptoms of the virus infection). Genome sequencing will help in tracking the variants and their networks. The virtual meeting will start at 11 AM IST on Wednesday, where the officials will take a decision on the preventive measures to stop the virus from spreading in India.

Why are Covid-19 cases rising in China? Is a new variant of the novel coronavirus virus to blame? We don't have hard answers to these questions.

Or is a new variant of the novel coronavirus behind the spike? This is why it is important for China to be open, transparent and communicative about its Covid situation lest the world be pulled into a false sense of complacency that can have devastating consequences if cases were to similarly spike in other nations. And, China was accused of wasting time and not giving the world a crucial heads up in time about the gravity of the situation. Is a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to blame? [massive protests in various cities](https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-covid-lockdown-protests-building-fire-blank-sheets-flowers-beijing-shanghai-anger-president-xi-jinping-2302459-2022-11-28https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/china-covid-lockdown-protests-building-fire-blank-sheets-flowers-beijing-shanghai-anger-president-xi-jinping-2302459-2022-11-28). Is a new variant of the novel coronavirus virus to blame?

COVID-19 India update: 'All states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the ...

Third thing is that the INSACOG data shows that almost every sub-variant of Omicron which is found anywhere else in the world is also found in India. This pointed out that the data was altered or stood meaningless, according to The Straits Times. Dr Arora also said that the exact situation of COVID in China is still unclear. However, the expert said that there is nothing to panic about as the country's system is vigilant. The system is very vigilant, we need to be very vigilant. Public health challenge of COVID-19 still persists around the world with around 35 lakh cases being reported weekly, Bhushan said.

COVID-19 resurgence: Calling the COVID resurgence “thermonuclear bad”, Eric Feigl-Ding said that 60 per cent of China and 10 per cent of the global ...

TRENDING Despite what experts are saying, an epidemiologist and health economist’s warning has gone viral. Important to keep a close vigil on China's situation, but no need to panic as the situation is in control," he said. National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) chief Dr N K Arora on Tuesday said that while it is important to keep a close vigil on the COVID situation, there is no need to panic. At this point at least, there are a lot of positives to take away. The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must act swiftly on r policy regarding air travel to & from [#China] [@PMOIndia] [https://t.co/cohoaJdGu6] [December 20, 2022] However, experts have said that India is well-equipped and has urged people to not panic. “However, having said that, there is no place for inertia. It said that in view of the sudden spurt in cases in Japan, US, South Korea, Brazil and China, “it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples”. As horrifying visuals, reminiscent of the peak COVID-19 pandemic, make it to social media, concerns build up about the next step. People know only too well how COVID-19 spreads and the immense toll it is capable of taking.

The approvals were granted after Virgin Orbit demonstrated to the UK Civil Aviation Authority that it had “taken all reasonable steps to ensure safety risks ...

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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 ...

According to the Chinese government, only those who die directly of respiratory failure caused by the virus would be counted under the Covid death statistics.

In light of the rising cases in China, World Health Organization (WHO) advisors told Reuters that it might be too early to declare the end of the Covid-19 pandemic emergency phase. State Department spokesman Ned Price referred to the People's Republic of China in his address to the media and said, "It's important not only for the PRC, but also for the continued economic recovery of the international community that the PRC is in a position to get this outbreak under control," In Guizhou province's Guiyang, it was proposed that infected people with little or no symptoms should go to work in a range of sectors. From the country's northeast to its southwest, crematorium workers told AFP they are struggling to keep up with the surge in deaths. China reported zero Covid deaths on December 20 as compared to five the previous day. In many other countries, guidelines stipulate that any death where the virus is a factor or contributor should be counted as death due to Covid.

Raising concern on the rising COVID-19 cases in neighbouring China, Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday asked the people not to ...

Seriously, their vaccine is not that good and they refuse to get the better vaccine or to improve their own vaccine, though something has been done, but not enough." Now of course I don't have the expertise to say whether it is right or wrong, I don't want to say that. "The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record.

India's government has asked all states to step up surveillance for any new variants of the coronavirus, citing an increase in COVID-19 cases in China and ...

Some opposition leaders and Twitter users in India have called for a suspension of flights to and from China. 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. Register for free to Reuters and know the full story

Covid News Live Updates: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs a meeting with senior officials and experts on the COVID-19 situation in the ...

Our health infrastructure is in place and we will activate all COVID-related medical setups if required. On the issue of starting random COVID testing at railway stations, airports etc, we have no plans as of now. Smugglers managed to run away taking advantage of the dense fog. A public interest litigation was filed in this regard at the Madurai bench of Madras HC. I want to ask whether the specific family is above all protocols. Cong leader Khera said BJP taking out yatra in Karnataka, Rajasthan and did health minister sent letter to them. "Pre-paid service is available and working in the UT of Ladakh. A total of Rs 157.49 crore was released to States and UTs under the Nirbhaya Fund scheme for setting up Women Help Desks (WHDs) in Police Stations. Gross NPAs have come down to 6 year low of 5.9% in March 2022. "I want to ask BJP did PM Modi followed Covid protocols during Gujarat Polls?, the Congress leader raised a counter question to the Centre by asking whether the Bharatiya Janata Party is upset with the popularity of Bharat Jodo Yatra of Rahul Gandhi. On the basis of this, raids were conducted in 12 states & people were arrested there too." Covid News Live Updates: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chairs a meeting with senior officials and experts on the COVID-19 situation in the country.

China is reportedly struggling to contain a surge in Covid-related cases after an abrupt shift from its Zero Covid policy that imposed strict lockdowns and ...

As cases spike in China, India spun into action and Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting to review India's Covid preparedness.

This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age," Dr VK Paul said. After the meeting concluded, Mansukh Mandaviya said, "Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance."

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).

The Covid surge in China has sent alarm bells ringing in India. The Centre has outlined a series of preparatory steps and Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya ...

According to the ministry's website, around 220 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide drive. INSACOG is a forum under the Health Ministry to study and monitor various strains of Covid in India. "ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants," read a letter from Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to all states.

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.

As the number of Covid cases is spiking across China, the Indian government has taken a major step to combat the spread of coronavirus in India.

The health ministry said that there is no cause for an alarm yet. it must be noted that masks have not been made mandatory yet in the country. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

Dr V K Paul, Member, Niti Aayog, on Wednesday said that only 27-28% of people have taken the precaution dose against coronavirus infection.

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.

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

Gujarat Health Minister Wednesday reviewed Covid-19 preparedness in the state and instructed to increase the testing of foreign arrivals at international ...

According to China CDC, 130 Omicron sub-lineages have been found in the past three months but none cause severe illness. The country has set up a network of hospitals to monitor mutations of the virus. Till now, a total of 11,043 persons have died due to the virus in the state. On Tuesday, two new cases were reported and six patients were discharged. Patel also instructed to to follow the ‘Triple T’ approach — tracing, testing and treatment — if required. Gandhinagar: In the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in China, Gujarat Health Minister Wednesday reviewed Covid-19 preparedness in the state and instructed to increase the testing of foreign arrivals at international airports.

'Gear Up Genome Sequencing'. As COVID-19 cases are rising in China and other countries, including the US and Japan, the Indian government raised an alert on ...

The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. The government has appealed to the people to wear masks in crowded places and take precautionary doses (if not taken yet). The variant has been identified as the primary factor for the rising cases of COVID in China. China is witnessing a surge in COVID-19 cases across the country after the government lifted isolation protocols and set of restrictions. Fears are mounting worldwide as the COVID-19 situation worsens in China, with authorities struggling to arrange beds for the rising number of patients. Fears are mounting worldwide as crematoriums are overburdened, and new cases are crossing the 10,000 mark daily in China.

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 ...

TRENDING The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre.

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.

With the number of Covid cases surging across China, Indian government has taken significant steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus in India.

The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). You may need to follow the guidelines of the government. The health ministry said there was no need to be alarmed just yet. It should be noted that masks are not yet compulsory in the country. 4,46,77,554 is the total number of covid cases till date in India . In addition, the Health Minister is expected to address the media on COVID-19 cases in

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

India today issued a fresh Covid advisory after alarming reprts from China prompted a high-level meeting to chalk out the strategy to prevent a surge here.

Random sample testing for coronavirus will be conducted at airports for international passengers arriving from China and other countries in view of the recent surge in cases in some parts of the world, official sources said today. At least four cases of the Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is driving China's reportedly deadly surge, have been detected in India. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia along with other senior officials of the Health Department will be present in the meeting.- ANI (@ANI) CM Arvind Kejriwal has called an emergency meeting tomorrow to review the preparations in view of the COVID-19 situation. The Health Ministry today directed states and union territories to ramp up surveillance amid a rise in Covid cases worldwide. No patient infected with a new Omicron variant, said to be driving China's current surge of COVID-19 cases, has been detected so far in Maharashtra, but thermal screening will be conducted for air passengers arriving from countries where the variant has been found, Heath Minister Tanaji Sawant said today.

The Health Ministry today directed states and union territories to ramp up surveillance amid a rise in Covid cases worldwide. A surge of new Covid cases in ...

States and Union Territories have been requested to send samples of all positive cases to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) daily. Community-based surveillance will be conducted regularly. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

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।

So far, the health ministry has confirmed the detection of four cases of the Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in India. Here's everything you should know about the ...

[By Vani Mehrotra](/author/vani-mehrotra): India has so far reported four cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, the strain driving China's current surge in Covid-19 cases. Here's everything you should know about the symptoms and the severity of the BF.7 variant. Sources said four cases have been reported since July this year. BF.7 accounted for more than 5 per cent of Covid-19 cases in the US and 7.26 per cent in the UK in October. - The BF.7 variant is apparently the strain driving China's current surge of COVID-19 cases So far, the health ministry has confirmed the detection of four cases of the Omicron sub-variant BF.7 in India.

This isn't the first time that BF.7 has made news — in October, it started to replace the variants that were then dominant in the United States and several ...

There could be an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in the winters, when we usually see an increase in all respiratory infections.” “The mutations in the spike protein have slowed down, there hasn’t been a massive change in around a year. “There is a debate about whether certain vaccines are better than the others. The January 2022 wave in India was driven by the BA.1 and BA.2 sub-variants of Omicron. Plus, we have already paid the price, so to say, during the Delta wave (of April-May 2021). After Omicron, the vaccines aren’t really able to stop transmission, but they do prevent deaths,” Dr Agarwal said. China indeed has a high vaccination rate — 235.5 doses per 100 population as per the WHO dashboard. BF.7 accounted for more than 5% of US cases and 7.26% of UK cases in October. This isn’t the first time that BF.7 has made news — in October, it started to replace the variants that were then dominant in the United States and several European countries. Other than that, Omicron has mainly been killing its elderly victims and we (India) do have a younger population,” Dr Agarwal said. As per data from India’s national SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing network, BA.5 lineages accounted for only 2.5% of cases in November. When viruses mutate, they create lineages and sub-lineages — like the main trunk of the SARS-CoV-2 tree sprouting branches and sub-branches.

Three cases of BF.7 strain, that is driving the current wave of Covid infections in China, have been detected in India so far. Will it cause a fresh wave in ...

And India paid its price with the delta wave where we lost a lot of our people and those who survived have good immunity to covid and so is the status of our very good vaccination. Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate is the most important strategy to check this infection and its community outbreaks," says Dr Arora. "Till now it is not clear which age group it affects the most but it is certain that people with low immunity are at a higher risk. It is also probable that if people get three to four shots of the vaccine, they may get protected. It is a variant mutant of the Omicron and has one of the highest transmissibility amongst all COVID variants so far. With restrictions eased out worldwide and the festive season in-swing, it is important to continue mass vaccination drive. “The signs and symptoms of BF.7 are pretty similar to other omnicorn variants fever, sore throught, runny nose. [Omicron BF.7 strain](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/covid19-scare-grips-china-what-we-know-about-new-bf-7-omicron-variant-101671607167480.html), that is driving the current wave of [Covid infections](https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/new-omicron-sub-variants-5-ways-mild-covid-infections-are-affecting-our-health-101667389538387.html) in China, have been detected in India so far. In India, there are very few cases of mortality and hospitalization but it also depends on various factors including a person’s immunity and pre-existing comorbidities," says Dr Ghosh. Three cases of BF.7 strain, that is driving the current wave of Covid infections in China, have been detected in India so far. He says that a fourth shot of vaccine may be helpful in preventing these probable deaths. "The wave of Covid-19 in China is being caused by virus Omicron BF.5.2.1.7, also called as BF.7.

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.

With the number of Covid cases surging across China, Indian government has taken significant steps to combat the spread of the coronavirus in India.

The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). You may need to follow the guidelines of the government. The health ministry said there was no need to be alarmed just yet. It should be noted that masks are not yet compulsory in the country. 4,46,77,554 is the total number of covid cases till date in India . In addition, the Health Minister is expected to address the media on COVID-19 cases in

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.

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.

The government has urged all states and UTs to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of Covid to keep track of emerging variants.

Besides, the Centre also reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country on Wednesday, and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance. [COVID cases in India: Mandatory testing, new guidelines – How states are gearing up to tackle possible surge](#) COVID cases in India: Mandatory testing, new guidelines – How states are gearing up to tackle possible surge

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."

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the situation related to Covid 19 and related aspects in the country at a high-level meeting today afternoon ...

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concern over the surge in COVID-19 cases in China, and advised health officials to form a committee of experts to keep an eye on the emerging situation. I will ask the health department to keep a tab on the situation," she said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the situation related to Covid 19 and related aspects in the country at a high-level meeting today afternoon, sources told NDTV. In India,we've sufficient evidence to prove that those who recovered from Covid are best protected. The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,76,515). "Is there a new variant of coronavirus in China?

The total tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.46 crore while the death toll stands at 5,30681 with one fatality being reported from Delhi in the last 24 ...