Time to stay alert amid Omicron global fear: PM Narendra Modi

New Delhi : Addressing the press ahead of the Winter Session of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that it is time for everyone to stay alert in the light of the new coronavirus strain - Omicron.

"The new variant of coronavirus must make us more alert. I expect all Members of Parliament to be alert."

Mr PM also noted that India is about to reach the total vaccination mark of 150 crores. The Omicron strain of coronavirus was first found in South Africa and now its cases have been identified in other nations as well.

On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) called it a variant of concern as it was more transmissible than the other known variants of coronavirus.

Several nations have also imposed an international commercial flight ban to the nations with Omicron variant cases. India has also made the restrictions and checking more intense for passengers coming from 'at risk' nations.