Goa searching for five Omicron suspects in ‘each and everything’

Panaji, Dec 7 : Even as Goa health authorities have sent samples of five sailors suspected of being infected with Omicron to a Pune laboratory for genome sequencing, a simultaneous effort is underway to track down the movements and travel histories of the five, who include Russian and Georgian nationals, in India before they tested positive for Covid, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said on Tuesday.He that the state government has gone one step ahead of national Omicron-related protocol by ensuring that all international passengers, not just those embarking from "high risk countries", are tested and screened at the time of arrival in Goa.

"Each and every aspect is being verified.There is nothing to be concerned about at the moment.

This (set of infections), is not from the state of Goa.This is a ship-borne infection.He said that the state government is very sensitive and alert.

" " We dont want any type of situation in Goa.Rane said that Goa is a tourist state and a preferred destination.We need to see that the (Covid) protocols are strictly followed and adhered to," Rane added.

Five sailors, including Russian and Georgian nationals, have tested positive for Covid with Omicron-like symptoms.They were aboard a cargo ship that had arrived from South Africa.

The ship is currently at Goas Mormugao Port Trust.Four of the five sailors are quarantined at a government designated facility, while one sailor is in isolation on the vessel anchored at the port.

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