21 December,2022 07:01 PM IST | New Delhi | IANS
Representational Pic
A total number of three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, that has led the massive surge in China, have been found in India so far, a source said on Wednesday.
After the first case of BF.7 was detected in October by the Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre, another case was also reported in the same month and the third case of this variant was detected in November, according to the source.
Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the Covid-19 situation in India and preparedness of public health system for its surveillance, containment and management, in view of the recent spike in cases of Covid-19 in some countries along with MoS Health Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, NITI Aayog's Member, Health, Dr V.K. Paul and other senior officials.
Also Read: China says no new Covid deaths after changing norm for recording virus deaths
ALSO READ
XEC: Know all about new Covid variant identified in 15 countries
INSACOG data says 290 cases of Covid-19 variant KP.2, 34 cases of KP.1 detected
Maharashtra records 91 cases of KP.2 variant of Omicron: Health department
India records 441 fresh COVID-19 JN.1 variant cases, active cases has gone down
Maharashtra reports 61 new COVID cases; 250 infections of JN.1 variant recorded
Mandaviya directed the strengthening the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country. This would facilitate undertaking of appropriate public health measures. States/UTs have been requested to send samples of all Covid-19 positive cases to INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) on a daily basis, for sequencing, to track new variants, if any.
Underlying and reiterating that Covid is not over yet, he directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen surveillance. He urged people to follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour and get vaccinated against Covid.
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever