India reported 6,987 new coronavirus infections and 162 deaths, which pushed the total active cases to 76,766 and the death count to 4,79,682, according to the health ministry. 

The number of cases of fast-spreading Omicron variant has risen to 422 in India, with Maharashtra reporting the most number of infections. At least 130 have recovered, the Health Ministry said this morning.

Maharashtra - which also has reported the most number of coronavirus cases - has 108 cases of the new variant. The western state is followed by Delhi, which has 79 cases. Gujarat has 43 cases and Telangana 41.

In view of the fast-spreading Omicron variant, India on Saturday announced booster shots for health and frontline workers and those above 60 from January 10. 

In a late-night address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced vaccinations for children between 15 and 18 years from January 3.

Source: NDTV 

BDST: 1312 HRS, DEC 26, 2021
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