India Steps Up Measures to Avoid China-Like Covid Surge of Omicron BF.7 variant
Random sampling of incoming international travellers has started at airports. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tells parliament amid concerns of rising omicron BF.7 variant.
New Variant
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya after analysing all the prospects of coming Covid wave today asked all the airport officials to take samples of coming international flight candidates.
The central government today told the parliament that random sampling for Covid of travellers coming from abroad has been started at all the airports.
Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a review meeting today late afternoon regarding the rising cases.
Exemplary Measures and Solutions
Firstly, the 2% of the travellers coming from international flights would be tested. They will be allowed to go after RT-PCR tests are done and will be contacted only after they tests positive.
Secondly, the government added by saying that they are not willing to stop flights or travellers from coming and also they venture to stop virus from coming to India, the Health Minister added in their speech.
Furthermore, there are no mandatory measures or strict rules to follow. However, the government has advised to follow essential protocols such as masks and other vital measures to be undertaken.
The Centre has also asked all states to ensure genome sequencing of positive cases to understand the virus’ new variants.
Taking into consideration of holiday and festive season coming up, government has advised to take requisite measures of sanitization, masks and social distancing.
As per reports, India has reported in total 4 cases of a sub-variant of the Omicron variant, called BF.7, which is driving the new surge in China. Overall cases in India continue to sparse at less than 200 daily for past few days.
The BF.7 variant has been detected in various countries. Namely, the US and UK and European nations such as Belgium, Germany, France and Denmark.
BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5. It has the strongest infection ability since it is highly transmissible. Further, it has a shorter incubation period, and has a higher capacity to cause reinfection, news agency PTI reported.
Apart from this, Rahul Gandhi has been asked to string his Bharat Jodo Yatra if Covid protocols are not followed. Following, this he has given a positive response. However, still continuing his footmarch in Haryana and proceeding to New Delhi on 24th December.
