NEW DELHI: Omicron subvariant BF.7, which is responsible for the recent surge of Covid cases in China, has been detected in India as well. Following this, preventive measures have been strengthened across the country. The Union Health Ministry believes that the spread of the Omicron subvariant can be prevented with better precautionary measures.

Two cases of BF.7 have been reported from Gujarat, while one case has been reported from Odisha. Among those infected in Gujarat is a 61-year-old woman who returned from the US. This is the first time that BF.7 has been reported in India. Apart from China, this variant has been found in Britain, USA, Belgium, Germany, France and Denmark.

Union Health Ministry on Wednesday said in a meeting that people should continue wearing masks in public places in view of the spread of Covid. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the threat of Covid is not over yet

As per the precautionary measure, the government has restarted random sampling of international passengers at airports across the country for Covid from Wednesday.

Mandaviya also said that Covid-19 is not yet over and directed officials to be alert and strengthen surveillance amid a surge in coronavirus cases globally.

He urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated against COVID.

"The Union Health Minister was briefed on the global COVID-19 situation and the domestic scenario. Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries across the world such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the United States, Union Health Minister noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains of COVID-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season," reads the statement issued by the Health Ministry after the meeting.