Two new cases of Omicron were reported in Maharashtra—one each in Latur and Pune—on Monday, taking the total tally of the new coronavirus variant in the country to 40. According to sources, both patients are stable and fully vaccinated. They have a travel history to Dubai. With this, the number of Omicron cases in Maharashtra rose to 20. The other states to have reported the new variant are Rajasthan (9), Karnataka (3), Gujarat (3), Kerala (1) and Andhra Pradesh (1) and Union Territories of Delhi (2) and Chandigarh (1).
Meanwhile, actors Kareena Kapoor Khan and Amrita Arora shared official statements on Monday confirming that they have tested positive for Covid-19. The “3 Idiots” actor took to her Instagram handle and shared a story in which she wrote, “I have tested for positive for Covid. I immediately isolated myself while following all medical protocols. I request anyone who has come in contact with me to please get tested.” Kareena further continued, “My family and staff are also double vaccinated. They are currently not showing any symptoms. Thankfully, I am feeling ok and hope to be up and about soon.”
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revealed that the residence of Kareena has been sealed. They also said that “she has not given proper information yet but our officers are trying to find out that how many people did come in contact with her”.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court on Monday sought a response from the Centre on a plea seeking to revive the vaccine public sector units (PSUs) and utilize their full production capabilities by the placement of purchase orders. A Bench of Justices D.Y. Chandrachud and A.S. Bopanna asked the Centre to file its response within four weeks saying it wanted to know what the policy of the government in this regard was. The apex court was hearing a plea filed by former IAS Amulya Ratna Nanda, All India Drug Action Network, low-cost Standard Therapeutics and Medico Friend Circle to grant functional autonomy to vaccine PSUs.