India's R naught value at 1.22; coronavirus cases are increasing: Government

New Delhi : India's R naught value, which indicates the spread of coronavirus, is currently at 1.22, the government said on Thursday. This means that the cases are increasing and not shrinking.

Addressing a press conference, NITI Ayog Member (Health) Dr VK Paul mentioned that there is an uptick in the number of coronavirus cases since past few days.

India recorded the highest single day rise of Omicron infections with 180 fresh cases, taking the total tally of such infections in the country to 961, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Thursday.

Delhi recorded the maximum number of 263 cases followed by Maharashtra at 252, Gujarat 97, Rajasthan 69, Kerala 65 and Telangana 62.

The number of daily rise in coronavirus cases in India were recorded over 13,000 after 49 days. The total tally of confirmed cases in India now stands at 3,48,22,040.

"We believe on the scientific basis R0 is 1.22 as per the available data... so the cases are now increasing, not shrinking. As the scenario emerges, we believe what we are witnessing could be part of the global rise in cases pushed by the Omicron variant... we are already aware that this variant is highly transmissible and that perhaps explains the speed with which it is rising in the world. 

"As we have explained, the severity issues are answered and we quote WHO statement -- severity (is) hopefully mild but cannot be taken for granted. This is work in progress," he said.

He also urged that people must not panic as India is prepared to fight if situation becomes critical.