Omicron doesn't escape RT-PCR and RAT; ramp up testing: Centre tells states

Central government on Tuesday reviewed public health preparedness with states/UTs in view of new Covid variant (Omicron) reported by WHO.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a high-level meeting with states/UTs amid reports of Omicron variant of Covid emerging across various countries, today in the presence of Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.

Bhushan advised states to not to let their guards down, and keep a strict vigil on the international passengers coming to the country through various airports, ports and land border crossings.

The meeting was attended by Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, MoCA, Balram Bhargava, Secretary (Health Research) & DG ICMR, Sujeet K. Singh, Director, NCDC, and other officials from the states/UTs.

"Bhargava informed that the variant doesn't escape RT-PCR and RAT. Hence, states were advised to ramp up testing for prompt and early identification of any cases. States were advised for target/prioritied testing of passengers from countries not “at-risk”, as part of the ramped up testing by the states. Continued need for further vaccination coverage, adherence to COVID appropriate behavior and need to avoid mass gatherings was stressed upon," said Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in a statement.

The states were specially advised to -

• Undertake effective Surveillance of International Passengers: Testing of samples of international travelers coming from "At Risk" Countries on 1st Day and retesting on 8th Day needs to be done. International passengers from “at risk” countries are being advised to prepare to wait at the airports till the report of the RT-PCR test has come, and not book connecting flights beforehand.
   
• To send all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs (mapped with states) promptly. States to undertake contact tracing of positive individuals and follow up for 14 days.
   
• Enhance Testing: Strengthen the testing infrastructure and strictly implement the testing guidelines. Stats to ensure ample testing in each district while maintaining RT-PCR ratio.
   
• Effective Monitoring of Hotspots: Continued monitoring of areas where recent cluster of positive cases have emerged. Sending of all positive samples for genome sequencing to designated INSACOG Lab in a prompt manner.
   
• Effective and regular monitoring of home isolation cases, with physical visits to homes of passengers from “at-risk” countries. The status of those who are negative after the test on the 8th day to also be physically monitored by the state administration.
   
• Ensuring augmentation of Health Infrastructure: Ensure preparedness of health infrastructure (availability of ICU, O2 beds, ventilators, etc.). To implement ECRP-II, with focus on rural areas and for paediatric cases. Early implementation of sanctioned PSA plants, along with ensuring seamless supply of logistics, drugs, O2 cylinders, etc.
   
• Co-ordinate with APHOs for list of positive travelers, including details of all international travelers, and strengthen support to them for effective surveillance.
   
• Effective and timely coordination between State admin, BOI officials, APHOs, Port health officers (PHOs) and Land Border Crossing Officers (LBCOs) stressed upon.
   
• States advised for meetings today with BOI, APHO, PHO and other relevant officials to ensure smooth implementation of the new Guidelines for International Travelers which come into effect from midnight today.
• Daily monitoring by the State Surveillance Officer to track and contain the spread of transmission of any VoCs in the country, especially from any recent clusters of positive cases.
   
• Regular dissemination of evidence and science based information on the merging scenario to be shared with the masses through weekly media briefings reemphasized.
   
• Terming the reported emergence of the new Covid variant as a “pandemic within a pandemic”, Dr V K Paul stated that the country is richer in its knowledge of management of Covid.  He again underlined the continued importance of COVID Appropriate behavior, avoiding large gatherings and ramping up vaccination.
   
• Noting the critical role of vaccination as a powerful defense against Covid, the "Har Ghar Dastak" vaccination campaign has been extended till 31st Dec with focus on 100% first dose coverage, and completing backlog of second dose vaccination. States have been advised to ramp up the pace and coverage of Covid vaccination.