Omicron's sub-variant hasn't increased hospitalisations in India: Health Minister

Omicron's sub-variant which is circulating in the country has not led to an increase in hospitalisations, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Monday.

"We need to remain alert but there is no need to worry. Currently, the sub-variant of Omicron which is circulating in the country hasn't increased hospitalisations," ANI quoted Mandaviya as saying.

The COVID cases in India have seen an upward trend in the past few days.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in the wake of the surge of cases in the past week across the country. "Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. The possibility of coinfection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered. Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease," revised guidelines said.

"Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. The possibility of coinfection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered. Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease," revised guidelines said.

"Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty breathing, High-grade fever/ severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days. A low threshold is to be kept for those with any of the high-risk features," guidelines discussed and prepared in January said. Additionally, in moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression, the guidelines recommend, "Consider Remdesivir for up to 5 days (200 mg IV on day 1 followed by 100 mg IV OD for the next 4 days)".

Meanwhile, India registered 3,641 fresh Covid-19 cases and and 11 deaths in the last 24 hours, Union Health Ministry data on Monday said.

With this, the active coronavirus cases in the country stands at at 20,219 and it comprises of 0.05 per cent. The death toll has risen to 5,30,892.

Three deaths have been reported from Maharashtra and one each in Delhi, Kerala, Karnataka and Rajasthan in a 24-hour span. The toll also includes four deaths reconciled by Kerala, the data stated.