In Jind, 68 foreign returnees untraced

Tribune News Service

Hisar, December 27

The Health Department is searching for 68 foreign returned persons, who came to Jind district from other countries after the notification on Omicron variant of the Covid 19, last month.

Health officials informed that amid Omicron danger, around 260 persons returned from abroad to Jind. The Health Department is assigned to trace such people, who return home, in order to keep them under observation. Sources said the airport authorities in Delhi and other cities took returnees samples for Covid test on their arrival. “There are some, countries which are not included in the affected list of Omicron. Travellers returning home from such countries do not require tests. But, the Health Department has been tasked to keeping a track of such persons,” the sources added.

Dr Paleram Kataria, Covid in-charge, Civil Hospital, Jind, informed that the health staff contacts returnees on their mobile numbers and addresses given by them at airports.

“There are some people, whose addresses and telephone numbers, are not traceable. It is a serious threat as far as the spread of Covid is concerned. These people should stay in contact with the Health Department,” Dr Kataria said.

“People, who returned from Omicron-affected countries, are tested for Covid at the airport. They are allowed to return home on testing negative. But we need to take a sample for the second test after eight days. Besides, those who return from countries that are not affected by Omicron have to be quarantined for 14 days,” Dr Kataria added. A health worker at the Jind Civil Hospital said some when contacted refused to divulge details, while others abruptly disconnected.