New Delhi, Nov 25, : , The Centre advised all states and Union Territories that international passengers traveling from or through Botswana to South Africa, South Africa, and Hong Kong should be cautious due to a new Covid variant discovered in South Africa.Rajesh Bhushan, Health Secretary, wrote to the states: “It has been reported by NCDC, that multiple cases of a Covid-19 variation — 8.1.1529 – have been reported in Botswana (3), South Africa (6), and Hong Kong (1).This variant is believed to contain a significant number of mutations and could have serious implications for the country’s public health, especially considering the recent relaxation of visa restrictions and the opening of international travel.
“It is vital that all international travelers travelling from or transiting through these countries, as well as all other ‘at-risk’ countries, are subject to rigorous screening.
These international travellers should also be closely monitored and tested for their contacts.
The letter directed the states to ensure that samples from travellers who have become positive for the disease are promptly sent to the designated IGSLs, in accordance with the INSACOG guidance document.
The ministry has also told the states and UTs to adhere to the overarching ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate’ principle to ensure stringent implementation of containment measures as per ministry guidelines.
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