Odisha

Odisha To Resume Random COVID Testing Of Foreign Returnees From Tomorrow

By
OB Bureau

Bhubaneswar: Amid the threat of a renewed COVID surge, the Odisha government is planning to resume random testing and whole genome sequencing of foreign returnees from December 24 (Saturday).

According to Health officials, the early identification of cases and variants would help prevent further spread of the infection.

After reports of a China returnee testing positive in Gujarat with the BF.7 variant, the officials do not want to take any chance as the state will be hosting the hockey World Cup in January.

While the variant was first identified in Gujarat as far back as July, Odisha had reported the strain in a single sample tested on September 30. However, it was not linked to increased severity or infectiousness in the two states.

The COVID restrictions will be strictly imposed at all international airports.

Notably, the state government will be holding a crucial meeting on COVID management at the Lok Seva Bhawan at 12.30 pm on Friday.

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday on India’s preparedness. “We are constantly monitoring the situation. There are no direct flights between China and India but people come via other routes,” he said.

He said the focus is to ensure that no unknown variant of the virus enters India and at the same time, there is no impediment to travelling.

OB Bureau

Recent Posts

New Artist To Play King Kansa Role During Dhanu Yatra In Odisha’s Bargarh

Bargarh: A new artist will be selected to play the mythological character King Kansa during…

November 22, 2024

Shah Rukh’s Daughter Suhana Khan Brutally Trolled For Vivo Ad [Watch]

Mumbai: Suhana Khan will be making her Bollywood debut with ‘King’ along with her superstar…

November 22, 2024

Badshah Comes Out In Support Of Diljit Dosanjh In Alcohol Controversy

New Delhi: After Diljit Dosanjh called out the double standards of Telangana government for banning…

November 22, 2024

World War 3 Has Begun, Says Ukraine’s Former Military Chief

New Delhi: Recent actions and counter-actions in the Russia-Ukraine conflict have pushed the world to the…

November 22, 2024

3 Arrested With Fake IPS Officers’ Uniforms, Identity Cards In Odisha’s Balangir

Balangir: Three persons were arrested and fake IPS officers’ uniforms along with fake identity cards…

November 22, 2024

‘I Want To Talk’: Twitterati Lauds Abhishek Bachchan, Say He Is Better Than Amitabh

Mumbai: Abhishek Bachchan’s highly-anticipated film ‘I Want To Talk’ released in theatres on Friday, and the…

November 22, 2024

Cash-For-Vote Row: BJP Leader’s Defamation Notice Against Rahul Gandhi, Kharge

New Delhi: Accused of giving cash to secure votes ahead of election day in Maharashtra,…

November 22, 2024

CM Mohan Majhi Attends ‘Odisha State Day’ Celebrations At IITF In Delhi

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the ‘Odisha State Day Celebrations’ at the 43rd…

November 22, 2024