'Surge in Omicron cases likely in January', warns Maharashtra government

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has directed all agencies to make every effort to give two doses of vaccine to all. The variant has been rapidly spreading in Maharashtra with the highest number of cases across the country being reported from the state.

Mumbai: The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is likely to see a surge in cases in January next year across Maharashtra, Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr Pradeep Vyas has warned on Wednesday.

According to Chief Minister`s Office (CMO), Omicron infection is increasing rapidly in the world and patients are also being found in Maharashtra.

"These patients can be found not only in big cities but also in small towns. Next month, in January, a large number of people in the state will be infected with omicron," Vyas said during a presentation at the state cabinet meeting.