The new coronavirus variant Omicron does not escape RT-PCR and rapid antigen testing (RAT), stated the central government as it advised states to scale up testing.

A senior official stated that out of the 764 samples subjected to genome sequencing from November 26 to November 30, none tested positive for Omicron variant till Tuesday. The health ministry advised states to strengthen surveillance. Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a review meeting with states and UTs, emphasized that all positive samples be sent for genome sequencing to INSACOG labs. He also stressed on aggressive contact tracing of positive individuals and follow-up for 14 days.

The government has also extended the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ vaccination campaign till December 31… (ET Healthworld – TNN, December 1, 2021)