Bhubaneswar: As many as four returnees from at-risk countries tested positive for Covid-19 in Odisha, informed Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra.
Reportedly, the samples of all the Covid positives have been sent for genome sequencing to ascertain if they have the new variant, Omicron, which has been classified as a ‘variant of concern’ by the World Health Organization.
As on December 7 evening, a total of 982 persons have returned to the state from at-risk countries.
Earlier on December 6, Health Department informed that 40% of travelers who came to Odisha from eight ‘at-risk countries’ are yet to be traced. A few persons have entered the wrong address and contact information in the Air Suvidha portal. None of those who have been identified & traced have tested positive.
Among the people who have arrived in Odisha from at-risk countries post-November 24, as many as 246 people have tested positive for Covid.
It is noteworthy that the government of Odisha is on high alert relating to the Covid-19 variant ‘Omicron’ which has started spreading its tentacles in India. The foreign tourists and foreign country returnees arriving in Bhubaneswar are being strictly scrutinized at the Biju Patnaik International Airport upon arrival.
The travelers arriving from overseas nations should stay in seven-day quarantine and seven-day observation advised the Public Health Director of Odisha.
Meanwhile, Health Minister Naba Das has further advised people to remain alert and strictly follow Covid appropriate protocols instead of panicking.
Also read: 40% foreign returnees to Odisha untraceable!
Ms Kalinga