Omicron Scare: Maharashtra, Delhi, MP, Kerala On War Footing Mode | Check State-Wise Curbs

The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa and few cases have been reported in countries including Botswana, Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong.

(File Photo/ AFP)

New Delhi: The outbreak of a new variant of Coronavirus called Omicron, reportedly more potent and contagious compared to other strains discovered so far, has triggered a global scare with several countries announcing fresh curbs and travel restrictions for those arriving from southern Africa.

Though the new lineage, known as B.1.1.529, has been detected in small numbers in South Africa researchers are racing to track its rise as it is found to harbour a large number of the mutations compared to other variants, including Delta.

Against the backdrop of its emergence, the World Health Organization (WHO) appealed to countries in the South-East Asia region to scale up surveillance, strengthen public health and social measures and enhance vaccination coverage to restrict its impact. 

The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa and few cases have been reported in countries including Botswana, Belgium, Israel, and Hong Kong.

Countries such as United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and others have imposed strict travel restrictions for those arriving from South Africa and several "at-risk" nations. 

India too joined the bandwagon with several states on Saturday announcing fresh curbs and SOPs for travellers arriving from South Africa. Here's a look at state-wise travel curbs announced after Omicron variant outbreak:

Maharashtra:

As per Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray's directives, the Maharashtra government has asked airport authorities to screen air passengers arriving in the state from at least 10 known countries (South Africa, Botswana, Brazil, China, Israel, Belgium, Hong Kong, Mauritius, New Zealand and others) where the much-feared new Coronavirus variant has been detected. 

Passengers arriving here from the 'high risk' nations shall undergo compulsory institutional quarantine. If any patient of Omicron is found in any building in the city, the entire building will be sealed as a precaution.

Delhi

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has asked the Chief Secretary, Delhi Police Commissioner and other officials concerned to ensure strict adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour in public places and functions, Times of India reported.

All hospitals in the national capital have been asked to ensure full preparedness to handle any emergency situation amid rising scare of the new variant. 

Karnataka

Guidelines have been given to airport authorities that those travelling from countries at "high risk" category to the state have to undergo a test despite having a Covid test report. Karnataka Health Minister also said that travellers will be allowed outside the airport only after testing negative.

Even after testing negative they will have to remain at home and after seven days they will have to undergo a test once again and after getting a negative report, one can go out.

As a precautionary measure, the authorities in Karnataka have made Covid test compulsory for all passengers arriving from Kerala and Maharashtra.

Gujarat

CM Vijay Rupali-led Gujarat government has announced a mandatory RT-PCR test for all travellers arriving from other countries at all airports in the state. New travel guidelines for the fliers from over 40 countries arriving at the airports in Gujarat have also been issued.

The arrivals from 'at risk' countries will have to remain in home quarantine for seven days, and will be required to take another test on the eighth day after arrival. The travellers from 'at risk' countries who are fully vaccinated will have to also quarantine themselves for 14 days after arrival.

Kerala

The Kerala government said authorities are vigilant but as of now, there is no cause for concern in the state.

Health Minister Veena George said the state has taken all precautionary steps as per the guidelines of the Centre and surveillance would be strengthened at all airports.

All international passengers arriving in the state will have to undergo an RTPCR test within 72 hours and upload it to the Airsuvidha portal. The suspected samples of passengers from these countries will be sent for testing for the mutant strain.

Madhya Pradesh

Minister for Medical Education Vishvas Sarang said genome sequencing is being carried out in a speedy manner. He said although nobody has been found infected with Omicron variant in the state so far, the government is keeping an eye on the situation.

Tamil Nadu

The state has intensified precautionary measures at all the four international airports and appointed four health department officials to personally monitor the situation, State Minister Ma Subramanian said.

These officials would be stationed at Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tiruchirappalli airports.