Lucknow: With the Omicron Covid-19 variant being detected in four states and Delhi, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has issued guidelines for all the districts to tackle the new strain.


According to the guidelines, RT-PCR tests of all the passengers coming to the state from abroad along with genome sequencing of all the infected patients is being carried out.


According to a statement, the Uttar Pradesh government is maintaining strict vigilance along the state borders. At the same time, it is also focusing on improving health facilities in rural and urban areas.


The state's healthcare system is also being improved to deal with Omicron. About 19,000 beds are being arranged at Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and 55,000 additional beds in medical colleges in the state. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials to strengthen the arrangements in hospitals in view of Omicron.


The state government is also keeping a close watch on availability of oxygen, beds, laboratories, according to the statement.


As of Tuesday, India's Omicron count stands at 23. Cases have come to light from Rajasthan, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Delhi as well.


In UP Vaccination figure crosses 17 crores


Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said more than 17 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine had been administered in Uttar Pradesh. "Ensuring corona defeat, this historic record is dedicated to the guidance of the respected Prime Minister, citizens who got 'Teeka Jeet Ka' and committed health workers," Adityanath said.