Coronavirus Omicron variant BF.7 cases in India: States step up vigil amid spurt in Covid cases in China

COVID-19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to chair a high-level meeting on Thursday afternoon to review the Covid-19 situation. The states have already started to prepare to tackle the  threat of a new Omicron sub-variant BF.7

What is the COVID-19 Omicron variant?  

BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5 and has the strongest infection ability since it is highly transmissible, has a shorter incubation period, and has a higher capacity to cause reinfection or infect even those vaccinated.
 
As per the available reports, nearly 5.37 lakhs new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours from major countries like the USA, Japan, South Korea, France and Brazil. India has reported 145 new cases in the last 24 hours out of which four cases are the new China variant – BF.7.

COVID-19 precautions for citizens to protect themselves
 

1. Face masks are to be used in all public places.  

2. Social distancing is to be maintained.  

3. Regular hand washing with soap and water or sanitisers.

 4. Public gatherings like marriages, political or social meetings etc. to be avoided.  

5. Avoid International travel.  

6. Consult the doctor in case of any symptoms like fever, sore throat, cough, loose motions etc.  

7. Get your COVID vaccination including the precautionary dose at the earliest.  

8. Follow the government advisory issued from time to time.

COVID-19: Measures taken by sates

Uttarakhand

The Uttarakhand government is preparing to issue a fresh set of standard operating procedures on COVID-19 based on the Centre's guidelines following a sudden spurt in cases in some countries, Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said on Wednesday.
 

West Bengal

Testing and management of COVID-19 is being done regularly in the state to keep a tab on the contagion, said Dr Siddhartha Niyogi, Director of the state's health services said.

"We are prepared to tackle any situation in the state. Things are under control here but we remain cautious in our outlook," the senior official of the West Bengal health department told PTI.
 

Odisha

 One of the three cases of the Omicron subvariant BF.7 was detected in Odisha. The state government has asked district administrations and health authorities to increase surveillance.

Kerala

Kerala alerted district authorities about possible COVID-19 spread.  People of the state have been asked to wear face masks and all unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated.  

Maharashtra

 The Maharashtra health department on Wednesday asked all the district administrations and municipal corporations to increase COVID-19 tests.
While the fatality rate and hospitalisation are decreasing in Maharashtra, COVID-19 cases are witnessing a surge in some countries, an official release said.

Uttar Pradesh

The CM Yogi Adityanath government has issued an alert to step up preparedness across UP. Health officials have been asked to “start arrangements from investigation to treatment”. Authorities have been directed to make a list of foreign travellers whose health will be monitored for 12 to 14 days. The government has asked people to avoid going to crowded places and step out wearing masks.  

Karnataka

At Bengaluru airport, all international passengers will be monitored. People have been urged to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The government will issue new COVID-19 guidelines.  

 Delhi

An emergency meeting will be chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday. The government said it is keeping a watch on the COVID-19 situation.  

Gujarat

The state has reported two cases of BF.7 Omicron sub-variant in September and November. Health officials have been asked to conduct "compulsory" testing of travellers arriving from other countries in Gujarat.  The state is conducting around 8,000 tests every day. 

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