New Delhi
The center on Tuesday issued a set of fresh national guidelines to tackle the threat from the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 that has emerged in many parts of the world and asked the States to ramp up testing as the new variant does not escape the standard detection procedure of RTPCR and RAT.
The meeting was chaired by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushantates and attended by Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog, and senior bureaucrats from the ministry of health, ICMR, Ministry of external affairs, Bureau of Immigration (BOI), State Airport Public Health Officials, and representatives of the States and union territories.
In the end, the government has said that from Tuesday-Wednesday midnight all international travelers coming from “at risk’ countries would have to undergo testing on entering India.
The government issued the following guidelines:
Make the testing of travelers coming from countries where Omicron variant of the Covid-19 is prevalent compulsory.
Undertake testing of samples of international travelers coming from "At Risk" Countries on 1st Day and of specified category of passengers on the 8th day scrupulously
International passengers from “at risk” countries are being advised to prepare to wait at the airports till the report of the RT-PCR test is available.
To send all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs (mapped with states) promptly and also undertake contact tracing of positive individuals and follow up for 14 days.
Strengthening the testing infrastructure and strictly implementing the testing guidelines.
Continued monitoring of areas where a recent cluster of positive cases has emerged should be done. Sending of all positive samples for genome sequencing to designated INSACOG Lab. Effective and regular monitoring of home isolation cases should be done with physical visits to the homes of passengers from “at-risk” countries. The status of those who are negative after the test on the 8th day to also be physically monitored by the state administration. The states must ensure the preparedness of health infrastructure (availability of ICU, O2 beds, ventilators, etc.). The officials must ensure a seamless supply of logistics, drugs, O2 cylinders, etc.
Coordinate with APHOs and the “Air Suvidha” portal for a list of positive travelers, including details of all international travelers, and strengthen support to them for effective surveillance. Effective and timely coordination between State administration, and all other coordinating officers.
States advised monitor the situation by holding meetings of concerned regularly to ensure proper implementation of the new guidelines for International Travelers which come into effect from midnight today.
Dr Paul said that the country is richer in its knowledge of the management of COVID19. He asked the states to ensure COVID appropriate behavior, avoiding large gatherings and ramping up vaccination.
The government issued the following guidelines:
Make the testing of travelers coming from countries where Omicron variant of the Covid-19 is prevalent compulsory.
Undertake testing of samples of international travelers coming from "At Risk" Countries on 1st Day and of specified category of passengers on the 8th day scrupulously
International passengers from “at risk” countries are being advised to prepare to wait at the airports till the report of the RT-PCR test is available.
To send all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs (mapped with states) promptly and also undertake contact tracing of positive individuals and follow up for 14 days.
Strengthening the testing infrastructure and strictly implementing the testing guidelines.
Continued monitoring of areas where a recent cluster of positive cases has emerged should be done. Sending of all positive samples for genome sequencing to designated INSACOG Lab. Effective and regular monitoring of home isolation cases should be done with physical visits to the homes of passengers from “at-risk” countries. The status of those who are negative after the test on the 8th day to also be physically monitored by the state administration. The states must ensure the preparedness of health infrastructure (availability of ICU, O2 beds, ventilators, etc.). The officials must ensure a seamless supply of logistics, drugs, O2 cylinders, etc.
Coordinate with APHOs and the “Air Suvidha” portal for a list of positive travelers, including details of all international travelers, and strengthen support to them for effective surveillance. Effective and timely coordination between State administration, and all other coordinating officers.
States advised monitor the situation by holding meetings of concerned regularly to ensure proper implementation of the new guidelines for International Travelers which come into effect from midnight today.
Dr Paul said that the country is richer in its knowledge of the management of COVID19. He asked the states to ensure COVID appropriate behavior, avoiding large gatherings and ramping up vaccination.
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