'Stay alert, be safe': PM Narendra Modi warns people about new COVID variant Omicron

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged people to stay alert against the new coronavirus variant Omicron which has triggered panic across the world.

Addressing media persons ahead of the beginning of the winter session, the Prime Minister said, "We have administered more than 100 crore doses of Covid vaccines during the challenging times of the pandemic. Now we are moving towards 150 crore doses.’’

“The news of the emergence of a new coronavirus variant makes us more alert. We all should stay alert in view of the new variant of COVID-19," the PM said.

Speaking at the start of the Parliament session. https://t.co/IvHdsOocbx

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 29, 2021

He said the government`s priority is the good health of the countrymen. The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Friday named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as `Omicron` and alarmed the siren among countries of the new variant.

Taking action amid concerns over the new variant of the virus, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review the public health preparedness and vaccination-related situation for COVID-19.

As per an official statement issued by Prime Minister Office, officials briefed the PM about the new Variant of Concern `Omicron` along with its characteristics and the impact seen in various countries. 

He highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified `at risk`. He also asked officials to review plans for easing of international travel restrictions in light of the emerging new evidence. 

Addressing media persons here today, the Prime Minister called for a constructive and productive winter session of the Parliament and said that there should be debate as well as peace.

"This is an important session of the Parliament. The citizens of the country want a productive session. They are fulfilling their responsibilities for a brighter future. The session should be constructive. The benchmark should be constructive. There should be debate as well as peace. Our Government is ready to answer all questions during the Winter Session of the Parliament. We should debate in the Parliament, and maintain the decorum of the proceedings," he stated. 

On the first day of the winter session of Parliament on Monday, the Government of India is likely to move the three `Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021` in the Rajya Sabha after it is passed by the Lok Sabha.

The three `Farm Laws Repeal Bill 2021` was circulated among Rajya Sabha members on Friday. In an address to the nation on November 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the repealing of the three Central farm laws on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti.