Test international travellers, focus on genome sequencing, Centre tells states

Sunday, 28 November 2021Newsdesk

With WHO having classified Omicron as a variant of concern, the Health Ministry has directed the states to review the detailed travel history of passengers arriving via international flights and to absolutely ensure that travellers from “at-risk” countries are tested. All samples which test Covid-positive should be promptly sent for genome sequencing, the ministry said.

New Delhi, 28 November 2021

As per news report of The Indian Express, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, while highlighting to the states the need for rigorous surveillance of international passengers said that there is “already a reporting mechanism for obtaining past travel details of passengers coming through international flight”. “…this should be reviewed at your level and the protocol provided by this Ministry should be strictly ensured including testing on disembarkation of international travellers coming from “At Risk” Countries and sending all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner,” Bhushan told the states.

Source - The Indian Express