21 new cases of Omicron coronavirus variant reported in Rajasthan

Jaipur: A day after Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot said that the Covid-19 vaccination would be made mandatory, the state reported 21 new cases of Omicron coronavirus variant. The state government received the report in this regard from the National Institute of Virology, Pune on Saturday. This has become a great cause of concern for the government as the new year celebrations are round the corner. Sources didn’t rule out some restrictions on gatherings.

Five of the 21 people who tested positive for the Omicron variant had recently returned from foreign tours. It was found that three others were in contact with some foreign travellers. Three others were in contact with those who were tested positive for the variant earlier in the state.

All of the people who tested positive for the Omicron coronavirus variant are being traced. They will be admitted to a hospital ward dedicated to Omicron-infected patients. Those who came in contact with these people are also being traced. The samples are being taken from them and sent to NIV, Pune for further testing.

Rajasthan has reported a total of 43 Omicron cases so far. Of them, 28 were reported in Jaipur, 4 in Sikar, 7 in Ajmer and 3 in Udaipur.  

Gehlot had expressed concerns over the slow pace of vaccination in a review meeting on Friday and said that people who don’t get fully vaccinated would be penalized. They would be given benefits of any government scheme.