Amaravati: In light of the novel variant Omicron, which has been identified in various countries, the health authorities in Andhra Pradesh are sending 15% of Covid-19 positive samples for genome sequencing.

The samples are being sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for genome sequencing in order to identify this variant, according to health officials. In Vijayawada, the medical and health department is also working to establish a gene sequencing centre. Meanwhile, police are focusing their attention on visitors from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.

Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy attended a review meeting on Monday to discuss the current Covid situation in the wake of the new variant, and he asked officials to put up special medical teams at the airports of Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad to screen persons arriving in Andhra Pradesh. They were only allowed to do RT-PCR tests and not quick antigen tests, according to the chief minister. The officials noted that Omicron has been rapidly changing and spreading, and that study on this version is being performed in a number of countries.

The chief minister ordered the officials to speed up and complete the immunisation process by setting deadlines. He requested that they begin a mask-wearing campaign, ensuring that there are no large gatherings, and continue the door-to-door fever survey and vaccine.

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