Health Department begins RT-PCR tests to detect new variant in Patiala district

Ravneet Singh

Advertisement

Patiala, December 23

The district Health Department has started conducting RT-PCR tests to detect the new BF.7 variant of Covid-19. The testing has begun on directions from the state Health Department.

As many as 190 tests, including 97 RT-PCR tests, were conducted here today.

Officials said though the chances of an outbreak were low, people should take all preventive measures.

Of the total 64,249 Covid patients in the district so far, 62,527 have been cured and 1,722 have been reported dead.

As per officials, there are no active cases in the district, but people should take precautions as per the government guidelines.

Civil Surgeon Dr Dalbir Kaur directed all hospitals and laboratories in the district to start conducting the tests. She said people should regularly wash hands and ensure social distancing.

District Epidemiologist Dr Sumit Singh said people should not panic. “We do not have any cases in the district as of now. But the Health Department will intensify testing. Chances of an outbreak are low, but people should exercise caution and follow all issued precautionary measures.

Fake message circulated among RGMC members

A fake message regarding Covid XBB variant was circulated among the members of Rajindra Gymkhana and Mahindra Club today. According to the message, the new variant lacked symptoms like cough and fever. It also stated that the new variant was five times more virulent than the Delta variant and had a higher mortality rate. Many members forwarded the message to other people.

The district epidemiologist said there has been no such variant reported in the district. “The message is misleading and should not cause panic. The Ministry of Health has also denied the fake information in the viral message,” he said.

RGMC president Deepak Kampani said, “We did not write the message. It was forwarded by some agency. We are only sending the precautionary message to the members.”

The club later sent a message to the members urging them to follow Covid guidelines issued officially by the Health Ministry and avoid the fake message that was shared earlier.