India is witnessing an exponential increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, believed to be largely driven by the Omicron variant, said the Center. 

It stated that the R naught value in the country, which is an indicator of the spread of the infection, stands at 2.69. This is higher than the value of 1.69 recorded during the peak of the second COVID wave in the country.

At a press conference, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, said that a surge in COVID case numbers is being witnessed in cities and the Omicron variant is the predominant strain. He emphasized that mass gatherings must be avoided.

NITI Aayog member (Health), Dr V K Paul, said that the hospitalization rates are relatively low. It is around 3.7% in Delhi and 5% in Mumbai… (India Today – PTI, January 6, 2022)