Exercise extreme caution: Centre to eight states amid spike in Omicron cases

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Health has issued alert to eight states, including Kerala, in the wake of Omicron spreading faster than the Delta variant. The Centre has directed the states of Maharashtra, Bengal, Delhi, UP, Karnataka, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu to exercise extreme caution. The Centre informed that the spread of Covid is high in these states but the number of people in critical condition remains low.

The ministry said TPR is above 5 percent in all 300 districts of the country. The Centre also warned that Omicron infection should not be treated like the common cold. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to the Chief Secretaries asking them to ensure adequate medical oxygen and to check the availability of oxygen every 48 hours. It is also proposed to start oxygen control rooms in the states.