Covid testing to be made strict from tomorrow at airports; samples confirming disease to be sent for genetic sequencing

NEW DELHI: As the new variant of Covid Omicron found in China and America has been confirmed in the country, the centre has directed for strict inspection at the airports.

In the directions given by the Ministry of Health to the Ministry of Aviation, 2% of the passengers on an aircraft should be tested for Covid-19. It is up to the respective airlines to decide which passengers they want. Only after collecting the samples of passengers, they will be allowed to leave the airport. This was mentioned in the letter sent by health secretary Rajesh Bhushan to aviation secretary Rajiv Bansal.

The samples confirmed of the disease must be sent for genetic sequencing. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the people of the country and had asked them to strengthen the surveillance of Covid, asked to be vigilant and to wear masks.

The centre asked hospitals to ensure adequate facilities and those who have not taken vaccines and those having health issues to take vaccine. Presently, even the World Health Organization does not have the exact number of people who are being treated in hospitals or who have died due to the disease in China, where the virus is strong. Meantime, India has announced that it is ready to export medicines to China.