Mangaluru: The Department of Health Dakshina Kannada stated that 17 passengers have arrived in the district of high-risk countries, since the emergence of the omicron variant of the virus.
Of the 17 passengers, 10 came from Mangaluru Taluk, one from puture and the rest from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kerala.
The district has taken all the precautions needed to prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially variants that are a concern, said Dr.
Ashok H, Nodal Officer for Covid-19 in Dakshina Kannada.
Dr.
Ashok told TOI that all 17 passengers were tested negatively for the SARS-COV-2 virus.
“We have sent random samples for the genome sequencing periodically.
The samples collected from the Covid-19 cluster are also sent for genome sequencing.
However, we do not have clusters in the regency today, because the number of everyday cases has been drastically reduced in a few weeks Finally.
Meanwhile, after the threat of Omicron, samples from those from high-risk countries were sent for genome sequencing within 24 hours, if they tested positive for Covid-19.
None of the 17 passengers arrived at Dakshina Kannada from High-risk countries are positively tested for Covid-19, “he said.
Dakshina Kannada District Surveillance Officer Dr.
Jagadeesh said that the district had sent an average of 15 samples randomly, in two weeks, for genome sequencing.
“Transit passengers from high-risk countries such as South Africa, Belgium and other countries, who arrived at Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) through Dubai, were subject to RT-PCR testing at the airport.
If they test the positive Covid-19, their sample Sent for genome sequencing.
We now provide special emphasis for all international passengers, especially those from European countries, which landed in Mia.
When it comes to Omicron variants, this district is very safe, because everyone arrives here from the country The high-risk country has been tested negatively for Covid-19, “he said.
Deputy Commissioner K V Rajendra said that the district had increased supervision at the airport and borders.
“We plan to send more positive samples to sequencing genomes from the district,” he added.