Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 6 (ANI): In view of a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo on Wednesday urged Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to give permission to start a genome sequencing facility in the state soon.

"There is no facility for genome sequencing in Chhattisgarh. For this purpose, we have to send samples to Bhubaneswar (Odisha) to get reports. As a result, there becomes a delay in knowing the variants of coronavirus. I request you to give permission to start genome sequencing facility at AIIMS, Raipur," Deo wrote to Union Health Minister.

Also Read | Maharashtra Records 26,538 Fresh COVID-19 Cases, 8 Deaths in 24 Hours; Reports 144 Omicron Infections.

He also urged Mandaviya to provide financial and technical assistance to start a genome sequencing facility at Raipur Medical College.

Chattisgarh reported its first case of Omicron variant of coronavirus from Bilaspur district on Wednesday.

Also Read | Babul Supriyo Recovers From COVID-19 for Third Time, Discharged From Kolkata Hospital.

As per the state government, the patient is 52-years-old and has a travel history to the United Arab Emirates.

Meanwhile, a night curfew will be imposed in Raipur from 9 pm to 6 am, said the order from the district collector on Wednesday. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)