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Be prepared for any eventuality: AIIMS chief on Omicron threat

December 20, 2021 09:46 IST

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Director Dr Randeep Guleria said on Sunday that in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India should prepare itself for any eventuality.

IMAGE: Isolation beds are being arranged for Covid patients as a precautionary measure by NGO 'Doctors for You' at Commonwealth Games village in New Delhi in the view of rising Omicron cases. Photograph: / Rediff.com

"We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard," said Guleria while talking to ANI.

India has so far reported over 151 cases of Omicron.

The new variant of COVID-19 was first reported to the World Health Organisation from South Africa on November 25.

As per the WHO, the first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was from a specimen collected on November 9 this year.

The WHO has classified Omicron as a 'variant of concern'.

Source: ANI