New Delhi, Nov 30 : New Covid variant Omicron doesn’t escape the Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) test and Rapid Antigen Test, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General, Dr Balram Bhargava, said on Tuesday. He spoke to UTs and states about public health preparedness and response in light of reports of Omicron variants in many countries.
He said that the two tests can detect the new variant and that states and UTs should increase testing to identify any cases as soon as possible.As part of the increased testing by the states, the states were advised to target test passengers from countries not considered “at-risk”.
Dr Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog’s Member for Health, underlined the country’s greater knowledge in managing Covid-19 and stressed the importance of Covid appropriate behaviour, avoiding large groups, and increasing vaccination.
Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, reiterated that revised guidelines and international travel advisory of the Union Health Ministry have been shared with states.
He advised them to keep a close eye on international passengers arriving in the country through various ports, airports, and land border crossings.
The “Har Ghar Dastak”, vaccination campaign, was extended to December 31st, with a focus on 100% coverage and the completion of backlogs for the second dose vaccination.
States were advised to increase the coverage and speed of vaccination.
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