Bhubaneswar: Amid concern over the Omicron variant of COVID-19, the Khordha Collector today directed for imposition of fine on those not wearing mask at public places in the district.
The Collector ordered the concerned authorities to check if people are adhering to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour or not, and fine the violators.
This apart, the official directed for strict imposition of night curfew after 10 PM by ensuring closure of shops within the stipulated time.
Worth mentioning, India today reported its first case of the Omicron variant as two persons in Karnataka tested positive for the virus.
Two persons in Karnataka have tested positive for Omicron, the newest variant of Covid-19, after genome sequencing, Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said.
Both cases have travel history to South Africa.
“Two cases of Omicron have been detected in Karnataka so far through genome sequencing effort of INSACOG consortium of 37 laboratories established by the Ministry of Health. We need not panic, but awareness is absolutely essential. Covid appropriate behaviour is required,” Bhargava said.
The contacts of the duo who tested positive for the latest variant have been identified and are under monitoring, he said.
“All Omicron related cases are found to have mild symptoms so far. No severe symptoms have been noticed in all such cases, both in the country and abroad. The WHO has said that the virus’ emerging evidence is being studied,” said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, adding that around 29 countries across the world have reported 373 cases of Omicron so far.
(With IANS inputs)
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