shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > News > India News > Article > Omicron Samples of 246 foreign returnees in Odisha sent for genome sequencing

Omicron: Samples of 246 foreign returnees in Odisha sent for genome sequencing

Updated on: 06 December,2021 04:49 PM IST  |  Bhubaneswar
IANS |

According to sources, over 800 persons returned to the state from foreign countries since the detection of the Omicron variant of Covid-19

Omicron: Samples of 246 foreign returnees in Odisha sent for genome sequencing

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Amid the Omicron threat, 246 samples of returnees from at-risk countries in Odisha were sent to the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar for genome sequencing, an official said on Monday.


According to sources, over 800 persons returned to the state from foreign countries since the detection of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.


"We have received 246 samples of the foreign returnees from different districts for genome sequencing to ascertain the presence of Omicron variant. All these persons were found Covid positive during the RT-PCR test. The results will be known in the next two or three days," said director, ILS, Ajay Parida here.


Earlier, genome sequencing of 141 samples of foreign returnees was conducted. However, fortunately, not a single sample was found to be an Omicron variant, he said.

As per protocol, Parida said, another round of RT-PCR test of the samples will be conducted before carrying out the genome sequencing. The samples whose CT value is less than 28 will be picked for genome sequencing, he said.

Also read: 95 foreign visitors missing, authorities in MP on toes amid Omicron threat

Health Minister Naba Kishore Das said there is no need to panic and the state government is monitoring the situation closely. "The WHO is conducting a study on the new variant and very soon the effectiveness of our vaccines against the variant will be known," Das said.

Meanwhile, health department officials informed that about 320 returnees, nearly 40 per cent of the total arrivals, are untraceable. As these returnees have submitted wrong addresses and contact information in the Air Suvidha portal, the government is unable to trace them, the officials said.

Public Health Director Niranjan Mishra said: "Information provided by the Centre on foreign returnees is being shared with the district administrations and accordingly, testing and tracing are being conducted."

He appealed to the people who have returned from at-risk countries to undergo RT-PCR test for the safety and well-being of their families.

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.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Register for FREE
to continue reading !

This is not a paywall.
However, your registration helps us understand your preferences better and enables us to provide insightful and credible journalism for all our readers.

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK