Health Ministry asked to remain vigilant against new variants of Covid-19. Fresh sudden spurt in cases in Japan, America, Korea, Brazil & China.

GNSONLINE RAJOURI
SHYAM SOOD

RAJOURI, DECEMBER 20:–After around thirty-five lakh cases of Covid-19 cases reported weekly around the world and a fresh spurt in the cases in the United States of America, Japan, Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, the Health Ministry of GoI has issued fresh guidelines for detection and containing outbreaks of new SARS-Cov-2 variants.
Considering the latest International scenario, the Health Ministry will review the Covid-19 situation tomorrow.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday in a letter to all the states & UTs Secretary Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Rajesh Bhushan said in view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, USA, Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive cases samples to track the variant through Indian SARS-Cov-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network.
“Such an exercise will ensure timely detection of the newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same,” said Rajesh Bhushan.
“In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of positive cases, on daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs)that are mapped to the states & UTs” the letter reads.
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