The Union Health Ministry informed on Wednesday that six COVID-19 positive cases were reported after screening 3476 passengers from 11 international flights from countries who were “at risk” due to Omicron the new Variant of Concern (VOC) designated by World Health Organisation (WHO). 

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) stated that the passengers were screened on the first day of operation of the guidelines for international travelers issued by the Centre as public health response measures for control and management of Omicron and sent to INSACOG labs for Whole Genomic Sequencing (WES). RT PCR Tests were done for all the 3476 passengers traveling at various airports of the country, from midnight to 4pm today, from “at risk” countries.

The Ministry also informed that the COVID 19 positive samples have been sent to INSACOG labs for Whole Genomic Sequencing (WES) and tracking the situation. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said that it was not clear whether Omicron variant was more transmissible or more severe, but Indian authorities have seriously taken up the challenge with the evolving situation.

Source: ET Healthworld