Cotton swab samples from 28 people were submitted for genome sequencing. (Represent)
Mumbai:
Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Friday said swab samples of 28 people, who returned to the state from high-risk countries last month with nine of them tested for COVID-19 positive, was submitted for genome sequencing amid concerns about new Omicrons. variant of the virus.
Mr. Tope made the announcement while speaking to reporters in his hometown of Jalna district.
“International visitors to Mumbai from high-risk countries have been identified and swab samples of these 28 people have been sent for genome sequencing. Of those, nine have had test results. tested positive for COVID-19. However, we he said.
“We expect to receive their genome sequencing report in two days and further action will be decided in the event any of them are found to be infected with the new variant.” Minister added.
About 2,868 people have returned to the state from various countries between November 10 and 30, he said, adding that the state government has so far tested 485 of them. and nine of them tested positive for COVID-19.
An official said the state health department has directed staff to isolate international travelers who have tested positive for the infection.
“We are trying to keep them away from other COVID-19 patients because very little is known about the new variant and its impact on our lives,” said the official from the health department.
The first cases of the Omicron variant in India have been confirmed in two individuals in Karnataka.
Maharashtra on Thursday revised air travel rules, mandating a seven-day institutional quarantine for passengers from just three “high-risk” countries – South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Previously, the state government’s November 30 order required mandatory institutional quarantine for passengers arriving from all “at-risk” countries on the central government’s list due to global concerns. demand for the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
The Omicron strain, first detected in South Africa, has been classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a “variant of concern”.
