THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With more people getting infected with the Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Health Department has urged everyone coming from abroad to go on self-monitoring for 14 days. Such people should stay away from social gatherings. A high-level meeting chaired by Minister Veena George yesterday directed the health workers to ensure this at the local level. So far 15 Omicron cases have been confirmed in the state.

At present, people coming from 'high risk' countries have been asked to go on seven days' quarantine followed by seven days of self-monitoring. Meanwhile, people coming from other countries have been asked to go on self-monitoring for 14 days. However, many people were are found to be violating the guidelines.

People coming from other states will be subjected to genetic sequencing even if they are found Covid positive. People infected with Omicron will be discharged only after they test negative and after keeping them under observation.

The health department will also use the help of private hospitals if the number of Omicron cases increases. Many of those who are screened at the airports have tested negative. However, some of them test positive later. Hence, community surveillance will be strengthened. Screening of people coming from non-high-risk countries will be increased.