Omicron Covid variant: Need to be proactive, review international travel curbs, says PM Modi

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Nov 27, 2021: On Saturday morning, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a two-hour-long meeting with top officials on the Covid-19 situation and vaccination status in India.

 

OMICRON VARIANT

He was briefed on the new variant ‘Omicron’ that was classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organisation on Friday. The implications of the new variant for India and its impact on other countries were discussed, as per an official release. The new variant has so far been detected in countries including South Africa, Botswana and Hong Kong.

PM Modi spoke about the need to be proactive in light of the new variant. He also asked officials to review the plans to ease international travel restrictions. On Friday, India had announced that scheduled international passenger flights will resume from December 15 after 20 months of coronavirus-induced suspension.

People need to be more cautious and take proper precautions like masking and social distancing, PM Modi said. He also highlighted the need to monitor and test international arrivals, with a specific focus on countries identified as ‘at risk’.

VARIANTS IN INDIA

The officials gave PM Modi an overview of the genome sequencing efforts in India and the different variants of coronavirus that have been detected in the country.

The prime minister said that samples from international travellers should be sent for genome sequencing. He said the sequencing efforts need to be increased and made more broad-based.

VACCINATION STATUS

The officials at the meeting gave PM Modi an update on the vaccination status in the country, with special focus on the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ door-to-door vaccination campaign.

PM Modi said there is a need to increase the second dose coverage in the country. States must ensure that all those who have got the first dose are given the second dose on time, he said.

COVID CLUSTERS

Prime Minister Modi directed officials to ensure intensive containment and active surveillance is implemented in areas that are reporting higher cases. Technical support should be provided to these Covid clusters, he said.

Courtesy:India Today