Will take steps as per the protocol of centre & necessary stringent measures will be taken by state govt: HM Rane
Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Goa today has reported its first Omicron variant case today. The test reports were received to DHS from NIV Lab in Pune.
The said 8-year-old boy had arrived in Goa from the United Kingdom on December 17, and upon testing at the airport, he was found to be COVID-19 positive, and his samples were sent to the NIV lab in Pune for genome sequencing.
“8 yr old boy who had travelled from the UK on 17.12.2021 has tested positive for OmicronV virus as confirmed by NIV Pune,” said Health Minister Vishwajit Rane.
He further said that the state government will take steps as per the protocol of the government of India, necessary stringent measures will be taken by the government of Goa in the public interest.
The Centre on Monday issued an order to states and Union territories asking them to ensure that local or district administrations promptly take appropriate coronavirus disease (Covid-19) containment measures based on the normative framework and their assessment of the situation.
In its order, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) said states may also consider imposing local curbs or restrictions, as needed, during the ongoing festive season in view of the threat posed by the new, highly transmissible Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
“With the distinct presence of the Delta variant and detection of Omicron cases in many states, there is need for greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision-making, and strict and prompt containment actions at the local and distinct levels, based on the assessment of the situation,” read a letter issued by home secretary Ajay Bhalla to the chief secretaries of all states.
In accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Satark’ and ‘Saavdhan’ warnings, the home ministry advised caution to all states and asked them to ensure that a high level of vigil and alertness is maintained “at all levels”.
