India confirms omicron variant cases, says get the shot now

India has confirmed its first two cases of the omicron coronavirus variant

NEW DELHI -- India on Thursday confirmed its first cases of the omicron coronavirus variant in two people who traveled abroad, and a top medical expert urged people to get vaccinated.

India’s Health Ministry said the cases include two men in southern Karnataka state who came from abroad. It did not say which country.

Health official Lav Agarwal said all contacts of the two men had been traced and tested for the virus.

India has already classified at least 12 “at risk” and six “ultra-risk” countries in response to the threat posed by the omicron variant.