PANAJI: Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday said three suspects were tested positively on arrival from England on December 10, had been tested negatively for the Omicron variant of Covid-19.
Their sample genome sequencing was carried out by the National Cell Science Center (NCCS), Pune, said Rane.
All three, including partners, isolated in state insulation facilities at the Cansaulim Health Center.
“They are expelled from isolation and will continue to be in home isolation,” said Minister of Health.
When travelers from tests ‘in risky countries’ are positive for Covid-19 on arrival but negative tests for Omicron, they can choose for home isolation and are treated as other covid patients in the state.
On Friday, four people traveling to Goa from England, including one through Bengaluru on December 12, was tested positively Covid-19 and was added to the list of Omicron suspects.
This also includes a 12-year-old child.
Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing to NCC, Pune and the results are awaited.
Rane said that if necessary, the Ministry of Health has made provisions for isolation at TB hospitals in Margao.
At the launch of the USAID increase project on December 16, Rane has requested assistance to strengthen state testing facilities and establish a laboratory for genome sequencing.