Maharashtra Stops Genome Sequencing After 55% Samples Test Omicron Positive, New Sero Survey Soon

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state by the Omicron variant of covid-19 which is allegedly responsible for a massive surge in covid-19 cases in the country currently. 

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New Delhi: The Maharashtra Health department has stopped genome sequencing of Covid positive samples after 55 percent of the samples in the last genome sequencing were found Omicron positive. According to news agency ANI, orders for fresh serosurveys are expected to be issued this week.

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state by the Omicron variant of covid-19 which is allegedly responsible for a massive surge in covid-19 cases in the country currently. 

Maharashtra Health Department says it has stopped genome sequencing of COVID samples after 55% of the samples in last genome sequencing were confirmed for Omicron variant. Order for fresh sero survey is expected this week

— ANI (@ANI) January 6, 2022

India recorded 90,928 fresh covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Among these, the Omicron tally reached 2,630 in the last 24 hours with 15,166 in Mumbai. Maharashtra’s Omicron toll reached 797. 

There was a spike of 43 .7 percent from Tuesday to Wednesday with 8,072 cases. Maharashtra’s total covid-19 tally reached 67,57,032 with the death toll reaching 1,41,581, reported the news agency PTI.

While the state officials have ruled out a complete lockdown, strict restrictions may be implemented to curb the spread of the virus. Schools in some parts of the state have already been shut. And a fine of Rs 500 has also been imposed for not wearing a mask. 

Besides, a limit of 50 persons for wedding gatherings and 20 persons for funerals in open spaces is also imposed.  

Maharashtra Minister Amit Deshmukh said, "At present, we don't think that cinema halls or malls need to be closed. But if something is to be done in the larger public interest, State Cabinet will discuss these things & the CM will take a final call."