Bhubaneswar: The State Government, which is on alert for Omicron variant of Coronavirus, has sent samples of three more foreign returnees for genome sequencing.
So far, seven foreign returnees have tested Covid-19 positive, of which four have found negative for Omicron variant following genome sequencing, said State Director of Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra here on Sunday.
Samples of another three persons have been sent to Institute of Life Sciences (ILS) Bhubaneswar for genome sequencing. Once the test completes, the ILS will inform us about the result, he said.
Stating that surveillance is the only way to trace out such cases, Mohapatra said, “The same protocol that of Covid-19 is being followed for this new variant of virus also. All symptomatic persons should go for Covid test. Those who found Covid positive and if he/she migrated from the Omicron affected area, will be sent for genome sequencing.”
Though the State Government has put up surveillance units at all across the State, the community has a major role to play, he said.
The Director appealed to the community to come forward and inform the local healthcare authority, if they came to know about any people suspected to be infected with the new variant of coronavirus.
Meanwhile, the State today reported 193 fresh Covid-19 cases including 34 in the age group of 0 to 18. The State now has 1,894 active cases. Two Covid deaths were also confirmed by the State Government today. With this, Covid-19 death toll went up to 8,444.