THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A major lapse has been detected in monitoring Omicron in Kerala. The patient from Congo when he was in quarantine was found to have gone to shopping malls and restaurants. His contact list is very extensive.

Strict quarantine conditions are in place as per central guidelines for patients from high risk countries. However, as Congo was not on high risk list, health officials had directed him for self-isolation. However, he violated this and wandered around shopping malls and restaurants and this has now created a crisis in the state.

Following the positive test report received yesterday, the authorities understood that the list was too extensive while preparing the contact list. Finding people on his contact list is a challenge for health workers, as the Omicron virus is more contagious than other Covid viruses. Health Minister Veena George has informed all districts to be extra vigilant.