- The BF.7 variant of coronavirus, belived to be linked to the surge in COVID-19 cases in China, was identified in India as far back as July.
- Four instances of the Omicron subvariant was genome-sequenced in Gujarat and Odisha in the subsequent months, but it was not linked to increased severity or infectiousness in the two States, two officials who were part of a meeting convened by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday said.
- With the rise in cases in China triggering a global alarm, Mr. Mandaviya had convened a meeting of senior officials in the government and the National COVID-19 Task Force to assess the situation in India.
- The officials said while the spike in China did not yet imply a grave threat for India, it was advisable that people follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated and that States should increase genomic surveillance. Some States have said they will increase random testing of passengers at airports.
- “I have directed all concerned to strengthen surveillance. I also urge people to get vaccinated,” Mr. Mandaviya said.
SOURCE: THE HINDU, THE ECONOMIC TIMES, PIB