Random sample testing for Covid at airports for passengers arriving from China, other countries

After the meeting, Mandaviya said Covid-19 is not over yet

In the wake of China witnessing a massive surge in Covid-19 cases along with a rise in a few other nations, India on Wednesday decided to start random sample testing at international airports for passengers arriving from the communist country and other nations. The Centre also emphasised on strengthening the surveillance network to track down any new variant and improve vaccination to protect the vulnerable population.

With the Christmas and New Year festivities approaching, health officials also asked people to wear masks at crowded places, be it indoor or outdoor, as at least four cases of BF.7 – the new SARS-CoV-2 variant causing the maximum damage in China – were found in India.

The BF.7 cases in India were reported in July, September and November - three from Gujarat and one from Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The cases were not very infectious and all of them recovered.

Also read: Covid fears back in Karnataka, new guidelines soon

Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya took stock of the Covid-19 scenario across the globe, particularly in China, Japan, South Korea, France and in the USA. A consistent rise in global daily average cases has been reported since the last six weeks with 5.9 lakh daily average cases reported in the week ending Dec 19, 2022 even as India’s Covid count is on a downward trajectory.

Mandaviya asked the officials to strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country

On the vaccination front, V K Paul, NITI Ayog member and the government’s principal advisor on Covid-19 said, “Only 27-28 per cent of people have taken the precaution dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take the precaution dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.”

The states have been requested to send samples of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) on a daily basis, for sequencing, to track new variants, if any.

"Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation," the minister said.

Paul asked people to wear masks at crowded places, even though masking was not mandatory since June. Also at the moment, there is no Covid protocol for tourists.

The ministry in June issued 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in context of Covid-19' which calls for early detection, isolation, testing and timely management of suspected and confirmed cases to detect and contain outbreaks of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Mandaviya asked officials to ensure effective implementation of the same.