According to official sources, at least four cases of BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron which has been blamed for the current Covid wave in China have been found in India.
According to the data, two cases have been reported from Gujarat and two more from Odisha. Gujarat Biotechnology Research Center discovered the first case in October.
Omicron is milder version of Covid, so it was reported that patients received their care at home. Due to lack of vaccinations and lower immunity among populace it appears to be wreaking havoc in China, especially the older people.
The new Covid wave in China has raised fresh threat of pandemic surging in other countries as well and Central Government on Wednesday advised people to start wearing masks in crowded areas. There are concerns that the Chinese wave could spread.
The choice was made at a high-level meeting to develop a plan to stop an increase in Covid infections in India which was presided over by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
After the meeting, the minister tweeted, “COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation.”
VK Paul, member of NITI Aayog who heads the national task force on Covid has said, there is no need to panic, and that adequate tests are being conducted. He advised people to wear masks in crowded areas. Mr Paul said there is no change in the guidelines for international air travel yet.
To coordinate the necessary steps to stop Covid cases from spreading, the government has decided to hold weekly meetings with experts.
A close eye is being kept on the situation and according to sources, discussions have included a plan to block incoming cases at domestic and international airports and establish rules for visitors coming from abroad in case more cases are found.
There is some worry due to the impending Christmas and New Year celebrations which will draw large crowds and may cause an unexpected increase in cases.
To track and study the strains and take action against the disease, INSACOG genome sequencing labs have been established across the nation and the states have been asked to send samples of all Covid cases there every day.
“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,” reads the letter from Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan to all states.
India reported 112 new infections on Wednesday. Additionally, three fatalities—two from Kerala and one from Maharashtra were reported previous day.