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On Friday, India's Covid-19 tally of active cases crossed 2-lakh mark as the Omicron-led surge continues. The country has reported 3,47,254 fresh Covid-19 infections along with 703 deaths and 2,51,777 recoveries in the last 24 hours, said the Union Health Ministry in the latest data update. The overall caseload in the country stands at 3,85,66,027, the death toll has reached to 4,88,396 and the active cases have rose to 20,18,825, said the ministry. Total Omicron cases in India stands at 9,692. 

The active cases now comprise 5.23 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has decreased to 93.50 per cent. The daily positivity rate is up from 16.41% to 17.94% while the weekly positivity rate was recorded at 16.56 per cent. 

Sample Testing and Vaccination 

As per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in the last 24 hours a total of 19,35,912 tests are being conducted. So far, India has conducted 71,15,38,938 cumulative tests. With the administration of 70,49,779 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 1,60,43,70,484. 

Kerala: WFH For Women With Children Age 2 Or Younger 

Starting from January 23, the Pinarayi Vijayan government in Kerala has imposed new restrictions amidst rising Covid cases. The government has announced work from home for mothers who have children less than 2 years of age. 

Possibility of Increase in Covid Cases in Himachal Pradesh 

On Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Jai Ram Thakur said, "Everyone has to be very serious and no one can take coronavirus lightly. People should follow the guidelines issued by the health department. There is a possibility of an increase in the number of cases as the peak is yet to come in the state. So we need to be careful and we will overcome this situation also. We have postponed all big public events during the winter."