India on high alert over Covid fear, rapid transmission, 4,672 patients, mask made mandatory

NEW DELHI: In the context of the finding of Covid Omicron BF-7 variant in India and the rise of cases in countries including US, preventive measures have been strengthened again. The assessment of the ministry of health is that it can be fought with better precautionary measures.

Mask should be worn in crowded places. Random covid testing at airports for those coming from abroad started yesterday. If someone tests positive for Covid then all passengers will be tested. Those turning positive will be under observation.

The center has directed states and union territories to send positive samples to well-equipped INSACOG labs for detailed testing. There are 38 such labs across the country. Positive samples should be sent for genome sequencing. The directive is that booster doses should not be delayed and senior citizens should not default in this regard.

An Indian origin who had arrived in Vadodara from the US in Gujarat and a man who returned to Ahmedabad from abroad were infected with the new variant. The third patient is from Odisha.

Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandavya informed that instructions have been given to be vigilant and strengthen surveillance. A review meeting was held yesterday under the chairmanship of the minister to assess the Covid situation and preventive measures in the country. New variants have been found in countries including China, Japan, South Korea, US, UK, Belgium, Germany, France and Denmark. It is indicated that more than 40 percent of people in Beijing were affected by Covid.

Rapid transmission
BF 7 is a subtype of Omicron BA 5. It is capable of strong infection and rapid spread. It can also cause disease in those who have taken the vaccine.

BF7 cases are 5% in USA and 7.26% in UK. In these countries, the prevalence and severity are relatively low. It is severe in China. In Beijing, 40 percent are covid infected.

Symptoms
Fever, cough, sore throat, running nose

Patients
According to Worldometer, 145 new infections have been reported in the country in the last 24 hours. There are presently 4,672 active cases in the country.