NNA - 

US' top scientist Anthony Fauci, on Tuesday said that the Omicron variant of COVID-19 is 'almost certainly' not more severe than the Delta variant of COVID-19. The B.1.1.529 variant has shown a very large number of mutations, especially more than 30 on the viral spike protein, which is the key target of the immune response.

In view of the threat posed by the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the Union ministry of health and family welfare has advised people to wear a proper mask, maintain social distancing at public places and take both doses of COVID vaccines.

In the latest development, the Maharashtra government has said that 12 foreigners, who arrived in Mumbai, have been untraceable.  

  ===================D.K.