Four cases of Covid variant responsible for surge in China detected in India

The Centre has not imposed any mandatory Covid protocol in the country as of now.

The Health Department of Gujarat confirmed to the media that the patients infected with BF.7 and BF.12 forms of Omicron were reported in October-November.

They were treated in home isolation and have fully recovered now.

The Indian government has already cautioned all states to track coronavirus variants through the INSACOG network. The Health Ministry has written to all states to increase genome sequencing of positive cases.

"ln view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through...INSACOG network," Health Ministry Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said in the letter to all states.

"Such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same," Bhushan had said.

It further stated that such an exercise will enable the timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same.

The Union Health Ministry also assured all possible support to States and UTs in this regard.

Earlier in the day, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation.

After the meeting with top officials and experts on the Covid situation, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya tweeted, “COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation."

The government has also advised people to wear masks in crowded places in the wake of a spike in Covid-19 cases in China, the US and Japan.

Alarmed by the situation in China, the Centre also decided to hold weekly meetings to review the covid situation to build a strategy to avert a surge in India.

However, NITI Aayog member VK Paul, who heads the national task force on Covid, has said there is no need to panic, and that adequate tests are being conducted. He said there is no change in the guidelines for international air travel yet.  

The country has reported 129 fresh infections over the last 24 hours and the number of active cases currently stands at 3,408. One death was recorded over the last 24 hours taking the total to 5,30,677.

Meanwhile, China is currently struggling to contain the sharp rise in coronavirus cases after an abrupt shift from a Zero-Covid policy that imposed strict lockdowns and mass testing to an unrestrained movement of people.