New Delhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday stressed the need to stay alert and ensure that panic is not created in the face of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

"Compared to previous variants Omicron is rapidly spreading...it's more transmissible...Our health experts are assessing the situation. It's clear that we have to stay alert, but also ensure to avoid panic," Modi said during the virtual meeting with Chief Ministers of the states over the COVID-19 situation.

To contain the spread of the virus, the Prime Minister said the "pre-emptive, pro-active and collective approach" adopted by the central and state governments is the "mantra of victory" this time as well.

India has reported a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. On Thursday, the country reported 2,47,417 fresh COVID-19 cases - about 27 per cent higher than Wednesday when it logged 1,94,720 new COVID-19 cases.