Step up health infra, testing: Centre to states amid Omicron threat

Variant found first in South Africa has multiple mutations, has been detected in Hong Kong, UK, Israel and Botswana. It is yet to be detected in India

The Centre has directed all states to ramp up health infrastructure, enhance testing and surveillance in light of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, designated by the world health organisation as a variant of concern.

The Health ministry in a letter to chief secretaries of all states has asked them to ensure that there are no delays in providing care. States have been told to plan and strengthen the availability of trained manpower, infrastructure, logistics and procurement.

“There shall be no compromise in providing prompt quality treatment to the patients. States are requested to optimally utilize the financial support provided by