All samples from metro cities – that have tested positive for Covid – are being sent for genome sequencing, government sources said today, amid fears over an Omicron-driven third wave.  In India, 18% of recently tested samples had the new variant. 

In Delhi, the new variant – said to be highly infectious – has been found in 50 per cent of the samples that tested positive since December 12, sources in the Health Ministry said, confirming the community spread of Omicron in the national capital.

Delhi has recorded nine Covid deaths this month, the highest in the last four months, as the national capital continues to see a worrying surge in cases. On Thursday, 1,313 new infections were logged – the biggest daily surge in seven months.

Earlier this week, the Arvind Kejriwal government had brought fresh restrictions under the “yellow alert”, including shutting down cinema halls, schools, among other curbs.