India confirms omicron variant cases, says get the shot now
By ANIRUDDHA GHOSAL
AP Science Writer
NEW DELHI (AP) — India has confirmed its first two cases of the omicron coronavirus variant. The Health Ministry says the cases involve two men in southern Karnataka state. Officials say one came from South Africa and the other had no travel history. At least five other people have tested positive amid tracing and testing the contacts of the two men. India has already classified several countries as at risk in response to the omicron variant. Travelers from those countries are being tested upon arrival in India. Genome sequencing is also being done to detect the variant. India has tested nearly 8,000 passengers so far. Some states issued restrictions for some international arrivals.