Random sampling at airports, close watch on new Covid variants: Health minister tells Parliament

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Dec 22, 2022: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya briefed Parliament on steps taken by the government to tackle the growing Covid concern in India and said random sampling of international passengers has already started at airports.

 

"We have started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at international airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps," Mansukh Mandaviya said in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Apart from random sampling, the Centre has also advised states to increase genome-sequencing to identify new variants of Covid such as Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is driving the Covid surge in China.

"We are keeping an eye on the global Covid situation and are taking steps accordingly. States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid," the health minister added.

Curbs are likely on New Year celebrations as Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed Parliament that states have been advised to enforce mask mandate, use of sanitisers and social distancing, along with increased awareness for precautionary doses.

The Centre is also likely to issue advisories to all states in the wake of Covid surge in China, Brazil, Japan and other countries.

"The health department has been quite proactive in managing the Covid pandemic. The central government has provided financial assistance to states in fight against the pandemic. So far, Rs 220 crore vaccine shots have been given," the health minister further said.

Courtesy: India Today