War against Covid

Amid a sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in China and several other countries across the world, the Central government has stepped up measures to avert a possible spread of the virus and urged all states and UTs to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples of COVID to keep track of emerging variants. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country, and cautioned against complacency and advised strict vigil. He reiterated that COVID is not over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at the international airports.In view of the global surge in COVID cases, several states have also issued fresh guidelines and urged people to wear masks in public places. According to the new instructions by the government, 2 per cent of all passengers arriving at international airports have to undertake random post-arrival testing at the Delhi Airport from December 24. This is being done to reduce the risk of ingress of the new Covid variant BF.7 in India.The entire country is gearing up for a possible fourth wave of Covid, with the new Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is said to be the reason behind the surge in Covid cases in China, being detected in India. China has announced that its requirement for travellers arriving in the country to go into quarantine will end on 8 January. The measure is the latest in a series of restrictions to be lifted as China abandons its zero-Covid policy. China is seeing an explosion in Covid-related infections and medical workers have said they are struggling to cope.