Omicron variant live updates: India will soon launch world's first DNA vaccine for Covid, says PM

Researchers from Columbia University in the US and the University of Hong Kong noted that a striking feature of Omicron is the alarming number of changes in the variant's spike protein that could pose a threat to the effectiveness of current vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. (PTI)

UP CM Yogi Adityanath's tweet on night curfew

Andhra Pradesh: In another incident, a 33-year-old UAE returnee, a resident of Visakhapatnam, arrived in the state on December 15. The man was admitted to a private hospital after he developed a mild fever and later was tested positive for Covid-19 on December 16. His samples were sent for genome sequencing and was infected with Omicron variant on Thursday. (ANI)

Uttar Pradesh: CM Yogi Adityanath has asked officials to ensure all traders follow the "no mask, no goods" policy at their establishments, a senior official said.

Andhra Pradesh: Dr G Hymavati, director, Public Health, said, "Two more cases of Omicron reported in Andhra Pradesh took the total to four. A 41-year-old Kuwait returnee, who is a resident of East Godavari district, arrived at Gannavaram airport on December 19. The person tested positive for Covid-19 on December 20 and samples were sent to CCMB Hyderabad for genome sequencing. She was declared positive for Omicron variant. The patient has been quarantined and put under the close observation of the health department."

After Allahabad HC appeals to Election Commission and the Centre to consider the postponement of elections in Uttar Pradesh amid Omicron scare, Madhya Pradesh home minister seeks postponement of state panchayat elections.

No Covid-related restrictions as of now in Punjab, but we request people to follow guidelines: CM Charanjit Singh Channi

Uttar Pradesh: A maximum of 200 people will now be allowed at weddings and other events.

Curfew to be in place in Uttar Pradesh from 11 pm to 5 am in light of Covid.

UP imposes night curfew from December 25.

Two more Omicron cases reported in Andhra Pradesh, state tally rises to 4.

The daily rise in new coronavirus infections has been recorded below 15,000 for the last 57 days, as per govt bulletin.

The 358 Omicron Covid variant cases have been detected across 17 states and union territories so far, govt data shows

India's Covid-19 tally has climbed to 3,47,72,626

In graph: India's Omicron spread

Omicron recoveries