India's Omicron tally climbs to 36 after Karnataka reports third case of new COVID variant

Karnataka has reported a third case of new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, informed, Karnataka Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar on Sunday. As total number of Omicron cases in state touches 3, nationwide tally stands at 36. 

According to Health Minister's update, a 34-year-old male who returned from South Africa has tested positive for new variant. "He is isolated and being treated in a government hospital", he tweeted. Apart from that, five primary and 15 secondary contacts have been also traced and ir samples are sent for testing, he informed. 

Similarly, two more cases of Omicron were also reported on Sunday with one from Chandigarh and anor from Andhra Presh. While a 20-year-old person from Italy was tested positive for Omicron in Chandigarh, anor man who returned from Ireland was infected with new variant in Andhra Presh. With three new ditions, or states including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Gujarat have also reported cases of new COVID-19 variant with Maharashtra seeing maximum number of cases. 

Karnataka Health Department issues guidelines for patients recovered from COVID

Earlier on Friday, December 10, Karnataka Health Department issued a series of guidelines for patients who have recently recovered after testing positive for COVID-19 variant. While India's first two patients were reported from Karnataka, third case has now raised concerns among health authorities.

Meanwhile, as per new guidelines patients with moderate Covid symptoms will be discharged 10 days after onset of symptoms if y meet provided criteria. se criteria include being symptom-free for three days in a row having oxygen levels of more than 95% and two negative RT-PCR test reports. 

Apart from that, home quarantining has also been vised for patients after discharging and will later be ended if RT-PCR test conducted on 6th day comes out negative. Meanwhile, for severe cases, discharge policy will include two negative RT-PCR reports 24 hours apart after patient's complete clinical recovery. 

Image: PTI/Facebook/@SudhakarK