Genome sequencing of Odisha man with UK travel history being done in view of new virus strain

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Dec 23, 2020 at 9:48 PM Updated On : Dec 24, 2020 at 11:02 AM

Bhubaneswar: Amid the new coronavirus strain scare, a man with UK travel history was admitted to a government Covid hospital in the Odisha Capital after being tested positive for Covid.

As per reports, the 34-year-old male reached Bhubaneswar from the UK on December 18, 2020. He underwent test at a private lab and his samples were found positive for Covid.

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The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation sources said confirmatory test on Spike Genome Sequencing is being done through RMRC to ascertain the Covid strain.

The man has mild flu-like symptoms, said the sources, adding that contact tracing has already been completed as per the government guidelines.

The State government made 14-day home isolation mandatory for persons with the UK travel history in last 14 days. As per the guidelines issued by the Health and Family Welfare Ministry, samples such persons will be sent for genome sequencing.

Besides, the Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department has advised persons, who have returned from England between November 25 and December 23, to mandatorily give their details by dialing its Control Room number.

They are advised to immediately dial 104 or 0674-2390466 and provide their details to the department concerned. Once the department receives the information, a health team will take the next necessary steps.