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.
Bhubaneswar: In a significant stride towards advancing economic growth in the state, the Odisha government…
Hyderabad: ‘Baahubali’ actor Prabhas has signed a three-movie deal with Hombale Films, the makers of…
Berhampur: After theft from famous Tara Tarini shrine in Odisha’s Ganjam, burglars decamped with a…
Mumbai: Actress Athiya Shetty and Team India cricketer KL Rahul will welcome a new member…
Mumbai: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar on Friday came down heavily on political leaders…
Bhubaneswar: The Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT), a public transit agency in Odisha, on Friday…
Mumbai: Over the years, female actresses have often outshone their male confreres at the domestic…
Bhubaneswar: War of words between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and opposition Biju Janata…