Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala, which is already making waves on the COVID-19 front by recording more than 60 per cent of the daily new cases in the country, is now waiting with bated breath for the results of three positive samples sent for genomic sequencing.
According to the authorities, the results of the three samples are expected to be out in a day or two.
The three samples which have been sent for genomic sequencing include samples of a medical professional who arrived from the UK early this week and his test turned positive.
Following this, his mother also turned positive whose samples have been sent for genome sequencing.
The third sample belongs to a person of Tamil origin who arrived at Kozhikode from Germany.
All the three are isolated.
Kerala on Friday saw 4,995 turning positive after 62,343 samples were tested and there were 44,637 active cases.
Genomic sequencing is a process through which the entire genetic make up of a specific organism or cell type may be known. Through genomic sequencing, the changes in the genetic make up of the SARS-CoV-2 virus can be noted and monitored.
Incidentally, Kerala has the record of reporting the first COVID-19 case in January 2020, when a medical student from China tested positive.
12 Omicron suspects in Delhi
Meanwhile, Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that 12 patients are suspected of carrying Omicron variant so far in the national capital. He said that all have been admitted in the isolation ward of the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Narayan Hospital.
“There were total 12 suspected patients of Omicron till yesterday in Delhi. Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing and the report will be out by today evening or tomorrow”, said Minister Jain, adding that Delhi government has two genome sequencing labs, one at ILBS and one at LNJP.
Talking about the new Omicron variant, he said, “more than expressing concern, it is the subject of caution and vigilant. We all need to be alert of this Covid variant”.
He underlined that the global health body WHO has called it a variant of concern but has not said that it will cause a major disaster.
“RT-PCR test is being done for all the passengers landing at the international airport from abroad. No one is being allowed to go without the test”, he added.
While talking about Hepatitis, the Delhi Health Minister said that Hepatitis is very high in the country and Delhi, but there is a lack of awareness about it.
“Delhi government provides free treatment for both Hepatitis B and C. Hepatitis vaccination is being done for 70 per cent children in Delhi, we will take it to 100 per cent. Hepatitis medicine will also be made available to Mohalla clinics, doctors will be trained for this, so that it can be treated in Mohalla clinics as well”, said Minister Jain.
