Active cases up five times in last 10 days

Shimla, January 20

Eight more Omicron cases have been reported in the state, taking the total count of confirmed cases to 15. While the first six confirmed cases were of international travellers, the subsequent nine cases were from the community.

“Out of the 156 samples sent for genome sequencing to the NCDC, Delhi, in January, 43 reports have been received today. As many as eight samples have been found positive for Omicron and 21 found positive for Delta variants,” said a government spokesperson.

He said that all samples sent were from sentinel sites and none of the sample was of any international traveller. “The latest Omicron cases are five from Kullu district and one each from Shimla, Solan and Chamba districts,” he said.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson said the number of active cases and hospitalization has increased five times over the last 10 days. “From 51 admissions on January 8, the number has gone up to 249,” he said. “Of the 249 admitted patients, 132 patients are on oxygen and only two are on ventilator. The rest 115 patients are maintaining well in room atmosphere,” he said.

The spokesperson appealed to the public to follow Covid appropriate behavior and not to panic.