Srinagar, Dec 3 (GNS) : Amid Omicron new Covid-19 variant emergence in India, the J&K government has made quarantine and RT-PCR tests mandatory for travellers with international travel history and those arriving from ‘at-risk’ nations have to be in home quarantine for seven days even on testing negative.
As per fresh guidelines issued after review conducted in the backdrop of the emergence of highly mutant COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529 (Omicron) cases, the Chief Secretary who is the chairman of State Executive Committee ordered rigorous screening and conduct of Covid19 RT-PCR Test at the Srinagar International Airport for international arrivals as per the guidelines issued from time to time by MoHFW.
“Any person found Covid19 positive shall be quarantined (Institutional) and treated as per standard protocol.”
The Samples of positive cases shall be sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) promptly, as per the India SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) Guidance Document, read the guidelines.
“Close tracking and testing of the contacts of travellers who have tested positive, as per MoHFW guidelines shall be adhered to.”
Designated Surveillance Officers have been asked to establish a close coordination with their designated and tagged INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) for expediting results of genomic analysis.
“Necessary Public Health measures should be taken in case of presence of variants of Concerns/variants of interest (VOC/Vols) is reported by the INSACOG network.”
People from ‘At-Risk’ nations who test negative will, however, have to be in home quarantine for 7 days, the order reads. “They should be tested again on Day 8 and if tested negative shall be advised to monitor themselves carefully for at least two weeks.”
Travellers coming from countries considered not at risk and whose samples have tested negative should be advised to monitor themselves carefully for at least two weeks, the order reads further.
“The Principle of “Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate” shall be implemented in order to ensure stringent implementation of containment measures as per MoHFW guidelines and to prevent the spread of Variants of Concern/Variants of interest (VoCA/ol) and formation of clusters of cases.”(GNS)
