Four cases of the new sub-variant of the Omicron BF.7 which is responsible for sudden spur in Covid cases in China have also been detected in India. These cases have come from Gujarat and Odisha. However, there are no strict Covid appropriate behaviour mandated by the government.
According to the Health Department of Gujarat – the two confirmed cases of BF.7 and BF.12 variant were reported back in October-November. They were treated in home isolation and now have fully recovered. The first such case came out in July this year.
Amid the Covid resurge across different countries including China ans Brazil – the centre has asked the states to send the samples of all Covid-positive cases to INSACOG for genome sequencing.
INSACOG is a forum under the Health Minister which is responsible for studying and monitoring the different strains of Covid in India.
Random sampling of all international passengers arriving in India has already begun at all airports across the country. Stressing that there was no reason to panic, centre has suggested people to step in crowd wearing masks.
The centre has also planned to monitor the situation on weekly basis.
Currently, there is no existing Covid-19 guidelines for tourist destinations and public gatherings in the country. In its advisory in June the centre had asked to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour but states were asked to take call on masking individually.
In November also, the centre had suggested to follow social distancing at airport but masking was not mandatory as per the advisory.
“Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said following a meeting with experts and top officials.
Meanwhile, a NITI Aayog member who heads the national task force on Covid-19, VK Paul asked people not to panic and assured that required tests are being conducted. However, there are no new guidelines in effect for the international travelling.
In last 24 hours, India reported 129 new Covid-19 cases and the current active tally stands 3,408. With one death in last 24 hours the death toll has no reached 5,30,677.
