India's new Covid-19 cases hit seven-month high of 141,986

NEW DELHI:

India reported 141,986 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday, the most since the end of May, as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus overtakes the Delta version in the cities.

The health ministry also reported 285 new deaths, taking the total to 483,463. Total infections stand at 35.37 million.

A diabetic man who died in the western state of Rajasthan was India's first fatality from the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the health ministry said on Wednesday, adding that overall infections had doubled to 58,097 over the past four days.

Also read: As cases rise, India fears another Covid catastrophe

Government officials privately say daily cases in the country's third wave of infections could surpass the record of more than 414,000 hit last May.

They also warn that many people are taking the Omicron variant lightly and not wearing masks as most cases have been mild.

Top health official Vinod Kumar Paul declined to estimate a new peak but said even mild cases could put pressure on the country's health systems.