Delhi – The central government has asked all states and union territories to conduct intensive screening and testing of all passengers arriving or departing from South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana. In this regard, instructions have been given to the Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Secretary (Health) of all the states and union territories to send the samples of the passengers to the laboratories immediately.
AIIMS Chief Dr. Randeep Guleria said that there have been more than 30 mutations in the spike protein of the Omicron form of the corona virus. Due to these changes, it has got the power to protect against antibodies, due to which it can avoid the effect of the vaccine. Therefore, a thorough study is necessary about the effect of the vaccine on this form.
According to Dr. Guleria, its spike protein makes a virus infectious by making it easy for its entry into the cells. He said that the next step would be taken only after gathering more data on the spreadability, virulence and ability of antibodies of the new variant.
“Indian SARS-CoV-2 genomic group is closely monitoring B.1.1.1.529 and till now no case has been reported in the country,” he said. Dr. Guleria advised to emphasize on strict surveillance of people coming from abroad and risk areas and said that strict COVID behavior should be followed and at the same time everyone should get both doses of vaccine.
No case found in the country Delta in both the cases of Bengaluru
The new variant Omicron has not yet knocked in the country. A delta variant has been found in both the corona infected found in Karnataka on Saturday, a state official has confirmed on Sunday. On Sunday, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bomai demanded a ban on flights coming from countries found to be new variants.
