Omicron variant detected in India’s Karnataka, two people test positive

Omicron variant of the coronavirus disease has been detected in India’s Karnataka, reported Hindustan Times. 

Two people from Karnataka tested positive for the Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Union health ministry informed on Thursday. These are the first cases of fast-spreading COVID-19 variant reported in India.

"Two cases of Omicron variant have been reported in the country so far. Both cases are from Karnataka," Lav Agarwal, joint secretary, Union health ministry, said at a press briefing today.

The Omicron variant was first detected in southern Africa and since then has spread to 29 countries, the health ministry official informed today.