The Centre said that the Omicron variant does not escape RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing (RAT), so the states and UTs should strengthen surveillance and enhance the testing procedures immediately. 

A senior official said that no case of the Omicron variant was detected after performing the genome-sequencing of 764 samples between 26th to 30th November. Genome sequencing was important to trace the entry of the new variant in a particular country and also identify and analyze its details.

Rajesh Bhushan, the health secretary stressed the importance of genome sequencing of all the positive samples at INSACOG labs and advised the states to strictly trace the positive individuals  and do follow up for 14 days. He also said that tests should be done for international travellers coming from “at risk” countries and requested them to wait at airports till their RT-PCR reports are available.

The Centre has extended the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ vaccination campaign till December 31 to vaccinate 100% population with the first-dose coverage and completing the backlog of second-dose.

Source: ET Healthworld