Omicron alert in Rajasthan as 4 travellers from South Africa test COVID positive

After the reports of 2 confirmed Omicron cases in Karanataka, health officials suspect a variant infiltration in Rajasthan too as a family of 4 South African travellers tested COVID positive here. As per reports, the samples of these patients have been forwarded for further tests to confirm if these are cases of mutation. In the interim, the family is isolated in Jaipur.

Genome sequencing underway to confirm Omicron mutation

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Despite the imposition of new travel guidelines at the Jaipur Airport, a COVID-positive family from South Africa has raised fears of the Omicron invasion here. Jaipur is a major tourist destination for both, domestic and international travellers and as such stands at a greater risk of being gripped by the perils of the newly identified variant of COVID-19, said officials.

To limit this, the Jaipur Airport Authorities have made arrangements for a sample collection area, an RT-PCR testing facility and a sample processing lab at the terminal itself. The 4 patients, under the current Omicron radar, were also traced here, suggested reports. Their samples have now been sent to genome sequencing to determine the Omicron mutation, in line with the prescribed travel norms.

A similar setup has been initiated across the nation, at all airports and entry points. This robust screening and limiting mechanism has helped trace about 12 Omicron suspects in Delhi and 28 such patients in Maharashtra. Besides India, around 373 cases of Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 have been detected in 29 nations so far, an official stated.