'Delta Origin' India, Omicron Cases Double from 100 to 200 in 4 Days

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] As signs of the spread of the Omicron variant have appeared in India, the origin of the Delta variant, authorities have launched an emergency response.

According to local media on the 22nd, the Indian federal government's Ministry of Health instructed local governments the day before to introduce measures such as nighttime curfews and designated management of infected areas in preparation for the spread of the new variant. As of the previous day, at least 200 Omicron infections have been reported in India.

The Ministry of Health also recommended reducing the number of office workers or public transportation users if necessary. They urged the operation of an emergency response center and continuous analysis of related statistics.

Indian authorities believe that the Omicron variant is at least three times more transmissible than the Delta variant. Currently, the number of new daily confirmed cases is below 10,000, a significant decline compared to May when the Delta variant outbreak exceeded 410,000 cases per day.

However, the spread is intensifying, with Omicron infections increasing from 100 on the 17th to 200 the previous day. In the capital, New Delhi, community infection concerns are becoming a reality as three people without travel history have tested positive.

The Ministry of Health stated, "The Omicron variant is more than three times as transmissible as the Delta variant," emphasizing the need for swift and strict quarantine control. They also appealed to refrain from unnecessary travel and gatherings and to get vaccinated.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.