Omicron Scare: DDMA To Conduct RT-PCR Tests For Passengers Arriving From 'High-Risk' Nations

Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia said there was 'uncertainty' over the spread and impact of the Omicron variant but the Delhi government was ready to deal with the situation in case Covid cases rise.

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the new Omicron coronavirus variant was discussed by experts in the DDMA meeting (File)

New Delhi: In view of the spread of the Omicron Covid-19 variant, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has decided to conduct RT-PCR testing for all people arriving from 'high-risk' countries, genome sequencing of the positive cases and mandatory isolation. 

Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said the new Omicron coronavirus variant was discussed by experts in the meeting.

In the DDMA meeting, chaired by Lt Governor Anil Baijal, it was decided to strictly adhere to the test, track, treat and isolation strategy along with strict enforcement of Covid-appropriate behaviour and enhanced vaccination.

"It was decided to conduct 100 per cent RT-PCR testing of passengers from high-risk countries, followed by genome sequencing of the positive cases and mandatory isolation/quarantine as per the guidelines laid down by the Government of India," PTI quoted an official as saying.

The Health Department has been directed to ensure adequate availability of beds, medicines and oxygen and was also advised to ramp up the vaccination drive for the remaining citizens.

Sisodia said there was an "uncertainty" over the spread and impact of the Omicron variant but the Delhi government was ready to deal with the situation in case Covid cases rise.

"The Delhi government has been making preparations going by the experience of the second wave of Covid in April-June. We have kept availability of hospital beds on alert mode and those reserved for dengue will be taken back for Covid," Sisodia said.

"We cannot take things lightly. We have learnt our lessons from last year's experience. We are fully prepared to deal with any possible wave of Covid-19 this time. We are in a stronger position than before as there is a Covid management system in place, and we have information and basic resources," he said.

Amid the mounting concerns over the Omicron variant spreading to many countries, the Centre announced stricter guidelines for people travelling from or transiting through 'at-risk' countries and issued a slew of directions to the states for ramping up testing-surveillance measures and health facilities.

No cases of the variant, which was first reported from South Africa on November 24, have been recorded in India so far.