India News | Rajasthan Issues Directions to Start Srceening, Genome Sampling Amid Fresh Covid Scare
Get latest articles and stories on India at LatestLY. The Rajasthan Health department on Thursday directed Chief Medical and Health Officers of all districts to start screening, genome sampling and identifying high-risk groups amid a spurt in Covid cases in some parts of the world.
Jaipur, Dec 22 (PTI) The Rajasthan Health department on Thursday directed Chief Medical and Health Officers of all districts to start screening, genome sampling and identifying high-risk groups amid a spurt in Covid cases in some parts of the world.
Health Secretary Dr Prithvi has already issued orders to all collectors to ensure genome sequencing of all Covid positive samples to detect the new BF.7 sub-variant of the coronavirus' Omicron strain.
A meeting has been called for Friday to review preparations for Covid management.
In a letter to Chief Medical and Health Officers on Thursday, the Directorate of Medical and Health Services said effective action for prevention and control of COVID-19 had to be done following a sudden spurt in cases in Japan, the US, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China.
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The Chief Medical and Health Officers have been directed to screen influenza-like illness through door-to-door surveys and suspected patients in hospital OPDs, conduct genome sequencing of Covid-positive samples, random sampling at bus stands, railway stations, markets, schools and other crowded places, identify high-risk groups and maintain interdepartmental coordination for availability of logistics and medicines.
The health secretary said all necessary resources such as oxygen and ventilators were available in sufficient quantities and the state was prepared to deal with any challenge.
Officials said 10 patients infected with COVID-19 were found on Thursday. At present, 58 Covid-positive patients are undergoing treatment in the state.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also cautioned people against complacency and urged them to wear masks in crowded places, while also directing officials to strengthen surveillance measures, especially at international airports.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also raised concerns over the global rise in COVID-19 cases. He asked states to remain alert and create awareness about wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers, especially in view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations.
Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Mandaviya said the continuously evolving nature of the virus posed a threat to global health in a way that impacted virtually every country.
(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)