New Delhi, Dec 20 (IANS) After the China has reported surge in the Covid-19 cases, the Centre on Tuesday asked all states to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive cases to track the new variant.
In a letter to all states and UTs, the Health Ministry has said, “In view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network.”
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in the letter, has said that such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same.
“In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) that are mapped to the states and UTs,” the Health Ministry has told states.
The ‘Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in context of COVID-19’ issued by Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in June, 2022 calls for early detection, isolation, testing, and timely management of suspected and confirmed cases to detect and contain outbreaks of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Therefore, monitoring the trends of existing variants is of crucial importance, reads the letter.
“India with its focus on five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour has been able to restrict the transmission of Covid-19 virus and is having around 1200 cases on a weekly basis. The Public Health challenge of Covid-19 still persists around the world with around 35 lakh cases reported weekly,” said the health ministry.
The letter reads further that the Health Ministry commends the consistent hard work put in by all states/UTs and will continue to extend required support to all states in this regard. – IANS
ICMR, AIIMS studies found no link between Covid vaccine & sudden deaths: Centre
New Delhi: Extensive studies undertaken by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) have conclusively established no link between Covid-19 vaccines and...
US foreign aid cuts can lead to over 14 mn preventable deaths globally by 2030: Lancet
New Delhi: The dismantling of US foreign aid, imposed by the Donald Trump government, can lead to more than 14 million additional deaths by 2030, including over 4.5 million children...
Infections due to new Covid strains not severe, we’re monitoring: ICMR-NIV Director
Pune: The JN.1.16 sub lineage of Omicron variant and the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant did not cause much severe Covid infection, said Dr Naveen Kumar, Director ICMR-National Institute...
Covid-19 virus protein triggers immune attack on healthy cells: Study
New Delhi: Amid a fresh wave of Covid-19, Israeli researchers have discovered that a protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause the immune system to attack healthy cells mistakenly. The...
Gujarat records 235 new Covid cases, health officials advise precautions
Ahmedabad: Gujarat has recorded over 1,100 active cases of Covid-19, with 235 reported in the last 24 hours, said officials here on Tuesday, adding that there is no need to...
Five die at govt hospital in Odisha due to ‘medical negligence’, probe ordered
Bhubaneswar: At least five patients died in the government-run Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital (SLNMCH) in Odisha's Koraput after being administered "wrong injection". A probe has been ordered...
Covid-19 cases in Gujarat cross 460 mark: Ahmedabad sees fourfold rise in a week
Ahmedabad: Gujarat recorded 64 Covid-19 cases in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of infections to 461. Of the 461 active cases, only 20 patients are currently undergoing...
Study shows how plastic particles in food, beverages can harm your liver
New Delhi: Microscopic plastic particles found in food and beverages may affect glucose metabolism and harm organs such as the liver, according to a new animal study. The findings raise...
Covid cases rise in India; govt says monitoring the situation
New Delhi: Amid the latest wave of Covid-19, the number of SARS-CoV2 infections in the country has risen to 2,170. As many as 511 new cases were recorded from the...
Food companies must not use ‘100pc’ claim in labelling and promotions: FSSAI
New Delhi: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has issued a strong advisory to food companies against the use of the term "100 per cent" in food...
Chennai reports Covid-19 fatality as 60-year-old dies at Rajiv Gandhi government hospital
Chennai: A 60-year-old man undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) in Chennai passed away on Wednesday, marking a Covid-linked fatality in the city after...
Covid cases increasing, but nothing to worry about as infections are not severe: ICMR chief
New Delhi: Covid-19 infections are increasing in India but there is nothing to worry about as these are not severe, Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Rajiv Bahl...
