The Indian government has extended support to the African countries which have been affected by the Covid19 variant, Omicron.
On Sunday, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the new Variant of Concern (VOC) Omicron strain as global ‘high risk’.
The WHO said the mutations of Omicron may confer immune escape potential and possibly transmissibility advantage, as per an assessment.
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Also read: PM Modi warns of new Covid19 variant Omicron Virus
According to a media report, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that it would support the Omicron-affected African countries with supplies of ‘Made-in-India’ vaccines, essential drugs and medical kits.
It has been reported that several countries have reported cases of the Omicron variant.
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Meanwhile, a number of countries have imposed travel restrictions on “at-risk” nations.
Also read: New COVID variant Omicron triggers panic, India keeping close watch
WHO has expressed serious concern over the report of Omicron cases.
“Depending on these characteristics, there could be future surges of Covid-19, which could have severe consequences, depending on a number of factors including where surges may take place,” the WHO stated.
“The overall global risk related to the new VOC Omicron is assessed as very high,” it added.
“We have noted the emergence of a new variant of Covid-19, Omicron. We express our solidarity with the countries, particularly in Africa, who have so far been affected by the Omicron variant,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement,
On Monday, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the situation is being monitored closely in terms of the resumption of commercial international flights, after the emergence of the new Omicron strain.
Scindia made the remarks in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.