With India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage shooting past the 145.16 crore mark, over 90% of the country’s adult population has now received at least one dose while 64% are fully vaccinated. Amongst the over 60 age group, which is considered, the most vulnerable as many as 69% have also been given both doses.

The picture varies among states with Himachal Pradesh having achieved 100% vaccination while Punjab has emerged as the laggard, covering merely 40% of adults.

Meanwhile, the country recorded 22,775 fresh Covid-19 infections over the last 24 hours which represents a 35 per cent jump over the previous day raising fears of a third wave. 

The number of people infected with the fast-spreading Omicron variant has also risen to 1,431 in India, with Maharashtra reporting the highest number at 454 cases. Delhi is next on the list with 351 infections followed by

The Omicron variant has now spread to 23 states in India. Maharashtra is the worst-hit state with 454 cases, followed by Delhi with 351 infections. Tamil Nadu with 118 Omicron cases, Gujarat (115) and Kerala with 109 cases make up the remaining three in the top five list.

There is some consolation in the fact that more studies have shown that the Omicron variant is milder than the Delta strain and is resulting in fewer hospitalisations and deaths.

However, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan said the biggest challenge India will face amid the Omicron crisis will be the sudden need for increased medical care. The surge is going to be very fast and many people are going to be sick, she added.

The Centre has directed the states to step up testing of all those who report fever and sore throats and isolate clusters where Covid infections are breaking out