As countries see a surge in Omicron cases, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised the variant as a Variant of Concern (VOC)—a mutation of the SARS-CoV-2 associated with increased transmissibility and detrimental change in the way the virus functions and which causes a decrease in the effectiveness of existing public health measures. In addition to VOC, the WHO has previously classified some variants of Covid-19 as Variants of Interest (VOI) and Variants under Monitoring (VUM).

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of Mumbai issued revised Covid-19 guidelines on Friday, making RT-PCR test and home isolation mandatory for people entering the city from countries where the latest coronavirus variant Omicron has been detected. The Maharashtra state government has mandated complete vaccination – that is two shots – for travelling in public transport or visiting public places.