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Omicron in India: States begin preparation to vaccinate children and 4 updates

Ishita SrivastavaDecember 29, 2021 | 15:43 IST

The Ministry of Health confirmed on December 29 that India's Omicron tally has reached 781. Multiple states have begun preparation to vaccinate children, while Chennai and Punjab have introduced new Covid-19 restrictions. 

No deaths due to Omicron have yet been reported in India.

Here are the latest updates:

1. INDIA HAS 781 OMICRON CASES IN TOTAL NOW

Here's the state and UT-wise break-up:

Delhi - 238

Maharashtra- 167

Gujarat - 73

Kerala - 65

Telangana - 62

Rajasthan - 46

Tamil Nadu - 34

Karnataka - 34

Haryana - 12

West Bengal - 11

Madhya Pradesh - 9

Odisha - 8

Andhra Pradesh - 6

Uttrakhand - 4

Chandigarh - 3

Jammu and Kashmir - 3

Uttar Pradesh - 2

Himachal Pradesh - 1

Goa - 1

Ladakh - 1

Manipur - 1

2. STATES BEGIN PREPARATION TO VACCINATE 15-18

After Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcment to begin vaccination drives for children above 15 on December 25, states have begun preparation in full swing. 

Delhi: An estimated 7-9 lakh teenagers reside in the national capital. The state is likely to set up vaccination centres for teenagers at existing centres. Government schools and hospitals, as well as private hospitals will provide the facility.

Maharashtra: As per the National Family Health Survey-5, 3.7% of the population in Maharashtra is in the 15-18 age group. Maharashtra is waiting for the final figure of its teenage population but it is confirmed that 9 lakh teenagers reside in Mumbai. After confirming the exact numbers, vaccination is likely to take place at the existing vaccination centres.

Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu state health department began its preparations on December 26. The state Health Minister Ma Subramanian spoke to the media earlier and said 'that they have identified 33.2 lakh kids in the age group of 15 to 18 years in the state'. Vaccination centres are going to be set up in schools and special camps will be conducted by the Tamil Nadu state government for this.

Assam: As per the Assam health department, 18.25 lakh people in their population are in the age group of 15-18 years. Dr Lakshmanan S, Mission Director National Health Mission (NHM) in Assam, told India Today over the phone, "Our discussions with various departments, district administration are going on. Where the vaccine doses will be given to teenagers is yet to be decided, but discussions are on." 

Illustration: Seemon, DailyO

3. CHENNAI AND PUNJAB INTRODUCE COVID RESTRICTIONS

Due to rising fear over the Omicron threat, Chennai Police has asked people not to gather at any of the city's beaches, including Marina, Besant Nagar, Neelankarai and those along the East Coast Road that connects Chennai with Kanyakumari. Parking of vehicles near the beach has also been prohibited and movement on the beach roads is prohibited from 9 pm on December 31.

The police has said that access to Kamaraj Road, Marina Beach road from the War Memorial to Gandhi Statue and the Besant Nagar Elliot Beach Road would be restricted. Commercialised New Year celebrations that are expected to take place at resorts, farm houses, clubs and auditoriums and entertainment events, dance, DJ and musical parties in hotels, resorts, farm houses and public places are also banned. Celebrations in Residents Welfare Associations (RWAs), apartments, villas are also not allowed.

Punjab issued new Covid-19 restrictions on December 28 asking people who are NOT fully vaccinated to remain at home and not visit any public places. This restriction will come into effect from January 15, 2022, the Punjab government said in its latest order. This restriction is also applicable to political rallies. 

4. NO MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIRED FOR BOOSTER DOSE FOR 60+

The Centre said on December 28 that people above '60 years of age with comorbidities do not need to upload or provide a medical certificate for eligibility for the "precautionary dose" of Covid-19 vaccine'. A letter by Health Secretary Rakesh Bhushan to states read, "All persons aged 60 years and above with co-morbidities will not be required to produce/submit any certificate from doctor, at the time of administration of precaution dose. Such persons are expected to obtain the advice of their doctor before deciding to avail of the precaution dose." 

The letter further said, "Their (60+ aged patients) eligibility for the precautionary dose based on when they took their second dose. Only nine months after the second dose they will be eligible."

Last updated: December 29, 2021 | 15:43
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