Amid Omicron scare, Punjab government orders 40K daily tests

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 30

Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister Om Prakash Soni on Tuesday ordered 40,000 daily tests following the reports of a new Covid-19 variant in some parts of the world and a possible third wave in the state.

Soni held a high-level review meeting with senior health officials, including Vikas Garg, Principal Secretary, Medical Education & Research; Kumar Rahul, managing director NHM; Bhupinder Singh MD, Punjab Health System Corporation; Dr Andesh Kang, director, Health and Family Welfare; OP Gojra, director, Health Services, along with civil surgeons and senior medical officers across the state over the danger posed by the Omicron variant.

He directed the officials to immediately start preparations to tackle any possible emergency. According to World Health Organization (WHO), the RT-PCR tests are capable of identifying new viruses, therefore, maximum tests should be conducted across the state, he said.

Soni said separate wards should be set up for admission of suspected patients infected by the new variant.

He also directed the officials of the Health Department to make concrete arrangements regarding the arrival of travellers to Punjab from South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel.

On the occasion, Vikas Garg, secretary of the Health Department, said officials have been directed to procure necessary medicines and equipment.

Meet held to discuss arrangements

• The Health Minister on Thursday held a review meeting with health officials over the danger posed by the variant
• He directed them to make concrete arrangements regarding the arrival of travellers to Punjab from high-risk countries.
• Officials have been directed to procure necessary medicines and equipment

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