Omicron | Business Upturn

Government releases Gemovac-OM: 1st Omicron-specific mRNA booster vaccination in India

Avinash Ram — Sat, 24 Jun 2023 12:31:25 +0000

Gemovac-OM, an mRNA-based booster vaccination designed specifically for Omicron and created by Gennova utilising its own platform technology, was introduced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday.

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have provided financing to Gennova, which has created India’s first mRNA vaccine utilising indigenous platform technology, according to the Ministry of Science & Technology.

Recently, the vaccine received approval for Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the office of the Drug Control General of India (DCGI).

“I take tremendous delight in DBT continuing to meet its purpose of fostering technology-driven entrepreneurship by developing this homegrown mRNA-platform technology. In keeping with the Prime Minister’s vision of Aatmanirbharta, we have always backed technology-driven innovation in the construction of a “future-ready” technological platform, according to Jitendra Singh.

Gemovac-OM is the sixth vaccine created with assistance from Mission Covid Suraksha, a programme that DBT and BIRAC are implementing as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 package to hasten the development of Indian covid-19 vaccines.

The development of the world’s first DNA vaccine for COVID-19 and the nation’s first mRNA vaccine, as well as candidates for intranasal vaccines and a subunit vaccine against COVID-19, were among the major accomplishments of the Mission Covid Suraksha within a year of its implementation, according to the minister.

In a relatively short amount of time, he claimed, different vaccines may be produced using this “future-ready” technological platform.

“Stable investments made by the government have strengthened the startup and business environment, which has actually accelerated our response to the COVID-19 pandemic mitigation. I applaud DBT and BIRAC for once again carrying out their purpose by fostering technology-driven entrepreneurship via the development of this homegrown mRNA-platform technology,” Singh continued.

Due to its thermostability, GEMCOVAC-OM does not require the ultra-cold chain infrastructure that is necessary for other mRNA-based vaccines that have been authorised.

“This invention makes last mile deployment in our nation simple. The ability of this vaccine to be provided without a needle injection makes it unique, according to Singh, who also stated that the current infrastructure of the supply chain is adequate for its deployment.

A needle-free injection device system is used to administer the vaccine intradermally, and research participants’ immune responses were noticeably enhanced by this method. The clinical outcome shows that variant-specific vaccinations are required to elicit the optimal immune response.

Omicron BA 4, BA 5 spotted in 5 Countries warns WHO

Aryan Jakhar — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 11:40:51 +0000

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that the new Omicron sub-variants (BA.4 and BA.5) are not significantly different from prior Omicron sub-lineages in terms of epidemiology or severity. This, however, could all change! This occurs at a time when the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant is leading a huge COVID outbreak in areas of Asia and Europe.

South African scientists announced the discovery of two new sublineages this week: BA.4 and BA.5. Tulio de Oliveira, who leads the country’s gene-sequencing institutions, stated, however, that the lineages had not resulted in an increase in infections in South Africa. The subvariants have been found in South Africa, Botswana, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, and the United Kingdom so far.

“Given the very low infections, hospitalizations and deaths in South Africa we are alerted about the continued evolution but not concerned,” de Oliveira said. “All of the laboratory science on virus neutralization and vaccines are already under way and we are strengthening genomic surveillance.”

The sub-variants have already been noted by the WHO. In a tweet, WHO official Maria Van Kerkhove said, “We haven’t observed any differences in the epidemiology or severity of BA.4 or BA.5 compared to earlier Omicron sub-lineages.” This, however, could change!

"So far, we haven't detected any changes in the epidemiology or severity of BA.4 or BA.5 compared to previous sub-lineages of #Omicron," says @WHO's @mvankerkhove.

But this may change. "That's why we need to have experts around the 🌎 working with us to track this in real time." pic.twitter.com/2usIbFWgia

— Global Health Strategies (@GHS) April 13, 2022

Omicron returns, WHO warns

This comes as the WHO’s COVID-19 emergency committee unanimously declared on Wednesday that COVID remains a severe public health threat. They also say

For the third week in a row, the number of new COVID-19 cases and deaths decreased globally in the week leading up to Sunday. However, other countries continue to record significant increases in cases, placing hospitals under strain. The World Health Organization also stated that governments must not get complacent.

Meanwhile, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted. That the pandemic is still ongoing, saying, “This virus has become more transmissible over time. And it remains lethal, especially for the unprotected and unvaccinated who lack access to health care and antivirals.”

The WHO leader advised everyone to be vaccinated and follow COVID guidelines.

The Omicron variant accounted for 99.2 percent of samples sequenced. And uploaded to the GISAID global science programme in the last 30 days. According to the WHO, with the previously dominating Delta variant accounting for less than 0.1 percent.

India managed Omicron surge better than other countries: Health Ministry

News Desk — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 05:52:06 +0000

The government of India has managed Omicron in a much better way when we compare it with other countries. Today 15-17 Lakh cases are reported globally and India reports 3000 cases daily, this claim was made by the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of health and family welfare, Lav Agrawal.

Minister Dr @MansukhMandviya is delivering the keynote address at webinar on "India's Public Health Response to Manage #COVID19"https://t.co/feKEaVwj8H

— Office of Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@OfficeOf_MM) March 17, 2022

Total cases in India has declined to 30,799, which is the lowest when we compare with other countries. China is also facing a surge in its omicron cases.

The government of India had also provided vaccines to states and there was no shortage of vaccination in the last few weeks. More than 22.05 Crore balance and un-utilized vaccine doses are still available with States/UTs, PIB reported.

#Unite2FightCorona #LargestVaccineDrive

➡️ India’s Cumulative #COVID19 Vaccination Coverage exceeds 180.80 Cr (1,80,80,24,147).

➡️ More than 3 lakh Doses administered for age group 12-14 years in the last 24 hours.https://t.co/fyuagp6nrJ pic.twitter.com/JrBTEdu76b

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 17, 2022

More than 138 Crore vaccine doses are provided to States and UTs, through the government of India i.e. free of cost and also through the direct state procurement category. More than 3 lakh doses were administered for age groups 12-14 years in the last 24 hours, increasing the pace of dose administration to minors, where we were lagging, also it was affecting the education system of India both public and private.

#Unite2FightCorona

➡️ 2,539 New Cases reported in last 24 hours. pic.twitter.com/tAldxxEGZ2

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 17, 2022

Public health care Infrastructure was highly utilized and personnel were overworked, private diagnostics centres were also deployed on multiple border check posts to conduct quick RTPCR. Over 78.12 Cr COVID Tests conducted so far by GOI. Only 2539 cases are reported in the last 24 hours dipping the graph to the lowest this year.

#Unite2FightCorona

➡️ Over 78.12 Cr COVID Tests conducted so far.

➡️ Weekly Positivity Rate currently at 0.42%.

➡️ Daily Positivity Rate stands at 0.35%. pic.twitter.com/OQNYUD8ZPT

— Ministry of Health (@MoHFW_INDIA) March 17, 2022

The people of India have benefited from the steps taken by the government of India in a while. These steps that are taken by GOI has made India “Atmanirbhar” in managing the Healthcare of our Nation, MoHFW said.

Centre urges states to lift restrictions imposed due to Omicron wave, as cases decline

Vineet Jain — Wed, 16 Feb 2022 14:18:24 +0000

The Health Ministry has requested state governments to lift COVID-19-related extra limitations imposed last month in response to growing instances.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to all state chief secretaries that due to the changing epidemiology of the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide and in India, current recommendations targeted at reducing viral transmission and circulation had been reviewed and modified.

The new directions emerge as the country continues to see a strong reduction in new daily cases after reaching a peak of roughly 3.7 lakh infections on January 21, while active COVID-19 cases are also declining quickly. Every day, the number of active COVID-19 cases in India is rapidly declining in all states.

The Centre recently released new instructions for foreign travellers that were significantly more lenient than those given when the Omicron initially began triggering a rise in coronavirus infections worldwide. “In earlier months in view of high COVID case trajectory, certain states had imposed additional restrictions at their borders and at airports,” according to the letter dated February 16.

While properly handling the public health problem of COVID-19, the letter stated that it is equally necessary that mobility of people and economic activity not be impeded by extra limitations placed at state-level points of entry.

Presently, as the case trajectory across the nation is showing a sustained downward trend, it will be useful if states review and amend the additional restrictions imposed after considering the trend of new cases, active cases, and positivity with the state, Bhushan wrote. He emphasized, however, that governments keep a daily eye on the progression of cases and the spread of illness.

Odisha reports first Omicron death

United News of India (UNI) — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 08:04:32 +0000

Bhubaneswar, Jan 06 (UNI) Odisha reported the first Omicron death of a 45-year-old woman from Dunguripali village under Agalpur block in Bolangir district.

The woman identified as Nirmala Nayak was admitted to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Bolangir following chest pain on December 22.

She was later shifted to the Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Science and Research (VSSIMSR) at Burla on December 23 where she was tested covid positive.

The woman, hospital sources said, died of cardiac arrest on December 27.

Official sources said the covid sample of the woman was sent to the Institute of Life Science (ILS) Bhubaneswar for genome sequencing and by the time it was known that she was infected with the Omicron variant of the Covid 19, the patient had succumbed and her last right was performed in the village.

The Bolangir Chief District Medical Officer said a team has been deputed to Dunguripali village to conduct the contact tracing and RT-PCR tests of all those persons who have come in contact with the woman.

She, however, said it was not known whether the woman died of Omicron or cardiac arrest as the death was reported by the Medical college authority much before the Omicron test was confirmed.

Panic gripped the Dunguripali village and the surrounding areas in Bolangir as the news of the first Omicron death was telecast on local TV channels on Thursday.

In the village, the body of the deceased woman was cremated, and several local villagers took part in it. This has caused panic among the villagers.

UNI DP RN

Bigg Boss 15: BAD NEWS: Devoleena Bhattacharjee tests ‘Positive’ for COVID-19 inside the house?

Dishi Ajmera — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 15:21:06 +0000

Bigg Boss 15 house has contestants who fight and perform in the tasks. Devoleena was seen giving an outstanding and marvelous performance in the task as she stood in the task for more than 24 hours. Devoleena was not keeping well since a couple of days and the reports come that the makers have done a RTPCR test says the reports of Mr Khabri.

The test is conducted not just on the Saath Nibhana Saathiya actress but also other housemates. The show follows all the protocols of Covid-19 and sanitization is done before and after task set up. The reports mention that the reports of the tests should come by tomorrow. Fans are hoping that the test results are negative. If the reports are positive, it will be a tough job for makers to continue the show.What decision will be taken by the makers is a question mark.

Currently Devoleena is in the Bigg Boss house and is playing and performing tasks. She failed to win Ticket To Finale despite of the brilliant performance. The actress is in the house and was seen performing the accusation task in the Live Feed. Do you support the Saathiya actress?

Comment us down and let us know your views on it. We wish the actress a speedy recovery. For more updates stay tuned with us!

Delhi govt imposes night curfew from tomorrow amid surge in COVID-19 cases

Malvika Choudhary — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 15:11:31 +0000

Considering the impending danger due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in Delhi, The Delhi government has decided to impose the night curfew from 11 pm to 5 pm on the streets of the capital city. The announcement was made on December 26 that said that the order will come into effect from December 27 as the positivity rate surged past 0.5 per cent.

Delhi, one of the worst-hit cities in India, is abruptly witnessing a spike in COVID-19. On Saturday, it reported 249 new cases, the highest single-day rise since June 13 this year. One death was also recorded during this period. Earlier, the AAP govt had banned all the cultural events and gatherings for Christmas and new year celebrations.

“All district magistrates shall conduct an intensive survey of the entire area falling under their jurisdiction and identify those pockets, colonies markets and crowded places which have the potential of becoming superspreaders of coronavirus and its Omicron variant,” the DDMA had said in the order.

India has reported 358 cases of Omicron across 17 states and UT. Several other states had already imposed night curfews to fight the new variant that besets the people. The list includes the states of Karnataka, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh that recently gave the orders. Maharashtra has imposed Section 144 of CrPC, which bars the assembly of five or more people from 9 pm to 6 am.

Omicron multiplies much faster in the human bronchi and much more slowly in the lung tissue, according to a study that shows that the variant has less potential to inflict severe disease in the patients.

Dominican Republic reports its first Omicron case

United News of India (UNI) — Sun, 26 Dec 2021 04:52:23 +0000

Santo Domingo, Dec 26 (UNI/Sputnik) The Dominican Republic has confirmed its first case of the Omicron strain of the coronavirus, the country’s Ministry of Public Health says.

“This is an imported case (transmission outside the Dominican territory), from South Africa, [the person] presented mild symptoms, received outpatient medical assistance, and progressed satisfactorily,” the ministry said in a Saturday update.

The ministry added that it has been informed by Chilean health authorities that a traveler who had arrived in Chile from the Dominican Republic tested positive for Omicron.

Several suspected Omicron cases are under investigation by the Dominican health authorities.\

UNI/SPUTNIK RNJ

From night curfew to 50% capacity in gyms, Maharashtra rolls out new restrictions

Malvika Choudhary — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 16:48:13 +0000

With the growing concern due to the rise of omicron COVID-19 cases in the country, the government has imposed restrictions in Maharashtra amidst the Christmas and new year festive seasons.

Maharashtra on Thursday detected 23 new cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 taking the statewide count to 88.

A BMC order issued on Friday said, “Dubai being the hub where many passengers change the flights and hence there is a mixing of travellers at the Dubai International Airport.”

The new set of rules are

Gathering of more than 5 persons in public places across the state is prohibited from 9 pm-6 am
Only 100 people are allowed in indoor weddings and not more than 250 allowed in outdoor weddings
50% capacity for gyms, spa, hotel, theatre and cinema hall

Travellers boarding a flight in Dubai and landing in Mumbai will now be required to compulsorily undergo a seven-day home quarantine, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Friday.

The passengers will not need to get an RT-PCR test done on arrival but will be tested after seven days. If they test negative, they will be required to self-monitor for seven more days. If the test comes positive, they will be shifted to an institutional quarantine facility.

In capital Mumbai, 577 people tested positive for coronavirus, while one person died from the viral disease. So far, the country’s financial capital has recorded 7,68,610 cases of the virus.

World Economic Forum postpones annual Davos meet 2022

News Desk — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 14:56:01 +0000

The World Economic Forum has called off its annual meeting in Davos, Switzerland due to the rising cases of the COVID-19 variant Omicron.

The annual meeting was scheduled to take place in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos-Klosters, Switzerland between 17-21 January 2022. The meeting will now take place in the early summer of next year.

In a press release, the forum informed, “Despite the meeting’s stringent health protocols, the transmissibility of Omicron and its adverse impact on travel and mobility have made deferral necessary. The health and safety of everyone involved in physical meetings – participant countries, collaborators and the host community have always been the Forum’s priority.”

With the outbreak of Omicron, the current situation doesn’t allow them to have an in-person-to-person meeting.

“The deferral of the annual meeting will not prevent progress through the continued digital convening of leaders from business, government and civil society,” said Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum.

He further added that Public-private cooperation has moved forwards throughout the pandemic and that will continue apace. We look forwards to bringing global leaders together in person soon.”

Foreign Investors pull out ₹17,696 crore in Dec amid Omicron uncertainty

Aviyukta Adlakha — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 07:47:47 +0000

Foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) have pulled out ₹17,696 crore from the Indian markets in December due to Omicron uncertainty, and expectations of faster tapering by the US Federal Reserve. If the situation worsens, the investors might further redeem investments from turmoil-prone markets like India.

“There continue to be uncertainties on the global as well as domestic fronts. Also, the economic growth has also been relatively slow, and India’s earnings have not grown much,” Himanshu Srivastava, Associate Director – Manager Research, Morningstar India said to PTI. High-quality banking stocks have been made attractive from the valuation perspective due to sustained FPI.

According to PTI, Shrikant Chouhan, Head – Equity Research (Retail), Kotak Securities said South Korea, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, and Indonesia, witnessed inflows of USD 1,870 million, USD 1,707 million, USD 297 million, USD 94 million, and USD 57 million, respectively. “FPI flows are expected to remain volatile given key events such as upcoming state elections and monetary tightening by developed countries,” he added.

Second case of Omicron in Pakistan manages to escape

United News of India (UNI) — Fri, 17 Dec 2021 13:26:10 +0000

Islamabad, Dec 17 (UNI) Pakistan on Friday reported its second case of Omicron in Karachi, as per media reports quoting sources in the Sindh Health Department.

A 35-year-old UK returnee first tested positive for Covid-19, and was transferred to a private hotel on Shahrae Faisal from the airport.

Following his genome sequencing, the presence of the new variant was confirmed. However, by then the infected person escaped the quarantine centre, which at present have 19 occupants, GeoNews reported.

Of these 19, five were awaiting genome sequencing.

At least 38 people have so far escaped quarantine as authorities have not provided any security at the centre.

UNI VP ING

First death from Omicron variant confirm in United Kingdom by PM Boris Johnson

News Desk — Mon, 13 Dec 2021 15:54:44 +0000

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirms the first death due to the COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’ recorded in the United Kingdom.

During a visit to West London, PM said, “Sadly yes, Omicron is producing hospitalisations and sadly at least one patient has been confirmed to have died with Omicron. So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus, I think that’s something we need to set on one side and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population”.

The current caseload of Covid-19 infections in the UK stands at 48,854. The British Government has raised the COVID alert from level 3 to 4 amid the surging of omicron cases in the UK.

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) estimates that if Omicron continues to grow at this rate, then the variant will become the dominant strain accounting for more than 50 per cent of all covid-19 cases in the United Kingdom by end of December.

After 7 from Maharashtra, 9 cases of Omicron detected in Rajasthan

Aviyukta Adlakha — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 15:39:42 +0000

Nine people have tested positive for the omicron variant in Jaipur, as confirmed by State’s Health Secretary Vaibhav Galriya. This comes after 7 people had tested positive in Maharashtra today itself leaving the tally at 21 total cases of this variant.

A couple and their children were detected as being positive for the Omicron variant followed by their return from South Africa. India has increased its preparedness against the variant with international travellers being tested at all airports, especially from the ‘at risk’ countries. Rajasthan’s news comes after the case detection at Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Delhi.

The South African doctor who warned against Omicron mentioned that dozens of her patients suspected of having the new coronavirus variant had only shown mild symptoms and recovered fully without hospitalization. But the Asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 is a greater threat since it spreads much before people get themselves tested.

50% of eligible Indian population is fully vaccinated against COVID-19: Health Ministry

Aviyukta Adlakha — Sun, 05 Dec 2021 05:48:41 +0000

50% of the country’s population, that is eligible for vaccination is now fully vaccinated. This is the moment of pride for all Indians considering the population.

Half of Indian’s adult population is estimated to be over 470 million which is more than the total population of Pakistan and Bangladesh combined together. It had been achieved in 11 months since the drive began despite of the resistance among some people.

But amid the rising fear of the Omicron variant, vaccination needs to be done at a higher pace. India is yet to decide on booster shots. Furthermore, steps that can add up to the vaccination drives could be making only vaccinated citizens eligible for certain benefits.

The gender disparity among vaccinated citizens needs to be addressed. Statewise focus must also be laid on vaccination status. More awareness programs need to be done specifically in the rural areas where people are ignorant to take the jab.

हम होंगे कामयाब ✌🏼

Congratulations India 🇮🇳

It is a moment of great pride as over 50% of the eligible population are now fully vaccinated 💉

We will win the battle against COVID-19 together ✌🏼#HarGharDastak #SabkoMuftVaccine pic.twitter.com/q4evljMChk

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 5, 2021

COVID-19 Update: 5 contacts of a Karnataka Omicron patient have tested positive for the Coronavirus

News Desk — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 18:00:49 +0000

Karnataka stated today that five contacts of an Omicron patient – a Bengaluru doctor – have tested positive for COVID-19 virus, just hours after the Union health ministry announced that the first patients of the novel coronavirus strain have been detected in the state. The patients have been quarantined, and their samples have been sent for genome testing, according to Karnataka, which is concerned about a highly infectious strain that has sparked worldwide worry.

One of the two initial cases is a 46-year-old fully vaccinated doctor from Bengaluru who got symptoms of fever and body discomfort on November 21 and had no travel history. He admitted to the hospital the following day after testing positive, and his sample was also sent for genome sequencing the same day. However, he was let go three days later.

According to the Karnataka government, following extensive contact tracing, the patient seemed to have 13 direct contacts and more than 250 secondary contacts. The other confirmed Omicron case is a 66-year-old South African resident who came in India with a negative report.

The individual, who had got both vaccine doses, tested positive and was asymptomatic when he arrived, so he was ordered to self-isolate. He flew to Dubai a week later after receiving a negative COVID testing from a private lab.

Negative test results were obtained from his 24 primary and 240 secondary contacts.

The World Health Organization has classified Omicron, which was discovered in South Africa, as a ‘variant of concern’. It is thought to have more than 50 mutations, including more than 30 on the spike protein, making it far more infectious than the Delta version.

WHO classifies new COVID-19 strain, Omicron as ‘Variant of Concern’

Ayisha Farah — Sat, 27 Nov 2021 16:00:01 +0000

Amidst the discovery of a novel COVID-19 modification and a rise in cases elsewhere, the WHO on Saturday urged nations in the Southeast Asia region to intensify surveillance, establish public health and social measures, and enhance immunisation coverage.

The global health body announced that festivities and celebrations need to incorporate all preventive actions, and large gatherings must be avoided. “At no cost should we let our guards down,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO, South-East Asia Region.

“Though COVID-19 cases have been declining in most countries of our Region, the surge in cases elsewhere in the world and confirmation of a new Variant of Concern is a reminder of the persisting risk and the need for us to continue to do our best to protect against the virus and prevent its spread,” she said in a statement.

Comprehensive and tailored public health and social measures to prevent transmission must continue, Singh stressed, noting that the earlier the protective measures are implemented, the less confining they would need to be efficient.

“The more COVID-19 circulates, the more opportunities the virus will have to change and mutate, and the pandemic will last longer,” the Regional Director said.

“As of today 31 per cent of the Region’s population is fully vaccinated, 21% partially vaccinated while nearly 48% or about a billion people are yet to receive even a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine,” she said, adding that they continue to be at risk of contracting the severe disease and spreading the virus further.

The WHO’s Technical Advisory Group on Virus Evolution assembled on Friday and classified B.1.1.529 as a variant of concern and identified it as Omicron. Researchers strive to learn how transmissible or destructive this variant is and change diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccinations.

“We must not forget that the pandemic is far from over. As societies open up, we should not get complacent. Festivities and celebrations must include all precautionary measures. Crowds and large gatherings must be avoided. The current situation warrants further stepping up efforts on all fronts,” the Regional Director said.