Keep masks and sanitizers handy, likely to be made mandatory, announcement soon

NEW DELHI: In the wake of Covid threat raised in the country, masks are likely to be made mandatory. An announcement would be made after the meet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Directions will be given to all states and union territories in this regard soon. In the context of Christmas and New Year celebrations, there will be instructions to wear masks and social distancing.

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 who are positive will be monitored.

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. It is suggested that booster doses should not be delayed and senior citizens should not default in this regard.

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

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandavya informed that instructions have been given to be vigilant and strengthen surveillance. Yesterday, a review meeting was held 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 are affected by Covid.