Omicron live updates: Pfizer pill becomes 1st US-authorised home Covid treatment

Delhi on Tuesday recorded 24 new cases of the Omicron variant, taking the total in the state to 54. The national capital now accounts for 26% of the total 211 cases reported in the country. After Delhi, Mumbai is the most affected metropolitan city due with 30 such cases. Among states, Maharashtra has reported the maximum — 65 cases (according to latest figures released by the state) — followed by Delhi (54), Telangana (20), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15), Gujarat (14) and Uttar Pradesh (2).

"We should all be concerned about #Omicron, but not panicked. If you are fully vaccinated & if you have got your booster shots, you are highly protected. If you're unvaccinated, you are at higher risk of getting severely ill, hospitalized & even dying."

Germany will introduce new measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus including limiting private gatherings for vaccinated people to a maximum of 10 people before New Year's Eve, Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on Tuesday. Scholz also agreed with the premiers of Germany's 16 federal states that big events, including football matches, would take place without spectators.

Johnson held a more than two-hour meeting with his cabinet to discuss the latest COVID-19 data on Monday. Media reported several ministers had pushed back against the prospect of new curbs before Christmas, despite warnings from some scientists. "We don't think today that there is enough evidence to justify any tougher measures before Christmas," Johnson said in a video posted on social media.

The samples had been taken on November 30 and now RTPCR testing of the entire locality has been ordered.

Union Health Secy Rajesh Bhushan writes to all States/UTs: "Omicron is at least 3 times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making & strict & prompt containment action are required at the local & district level"