According to the Health Ministry, 1,525 people in India have contracted the Omicron variant since the first case was reported in November. Maharashtra and Delhi continue to be the worst-hit state while the country reported a 21 per cent jump in new Covid-19 cases with 27,553 infections on January 2.

As of December 31 morning, India reported 16,764 new Covid cases, whereas the total new Omicron variant cases stand at 1,270. With significant spikes, we look at what experts, state and Central departments have to say on the spread and what steps are being taken to handle the supposed third wave.