Amaravati, Nov 30, : In view of Omicron, a new variant, the health authorities in Andhra Pradesh have sent 15% of Covid-19 positive Covid-19 samples for genome sequencing. According to health officials, the samples were being sent by the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology to be sequenced to identify the variant.
The Vijayawada medical and health department is also working to establish a Vijayawada genome sequencing laboratory.
The authorities are now focusing on those who arrive from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.
A review meeting was held Monday by Chief Minister Y.S.Jagan Mohan Reddy addressed the situation with Covid in the wake of the new variant.He directed officials to establish special medical teams at the airports of Bangalore and Chennai, and screen all people arriving in Andhra Pradesh.
They were asked by the chief minister to use RT-PCR tests only and not to perform rapid antigen tests.
Officials pointed out that Omicron is rapidly spreading and has been mutating, and that research is ongoing in several countries to find out more about this variant.
The chief minister ordered the officials to speed up the vaccination process and set targets.He directed them to use masks to prevent mass gatherings, continue door-to-door vaccination and to continue the survey.
He asked officials to inspect the facilities at the hospitals that had treated Covid patients in the past, and to also ensure that facilities are available in empaneled hospitals.He instructed the officials to inspect Covid call centres, Covid call centers, and quarantine centers again.
Jagan Mohan instructed the officials to aim for two crore doses by December 31st.He also suggested that they focus on the areas where the process is slow.
He suggested that officials practice mock drills with Oxygen Generation Plants at all hospitals.
Officials informed the chief minister that Andhra Pradesh’s recovery rate is 99.20 percent and that the positivity rate is 0.64 percent.The daily average case was 197, while the total active cases were 2,140.
They stated that calls to the 104 number had been reduced and that all preparations were being made for the third wave.
They claim that there are 8,200 beds at the government hospitals.
Jagan Mohan Reddy was also informed by officials that 87% of the population had received the first dose of Covid vaccine, and 62% had received both.
They expect to complete the vaccination process by January.
ms/dpb
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