New COVID variant: Passengers from South Africa, Hong Kong, Botswana to be screened at Bhubaneswar Airport

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Nov 26, 2021 at 3:52 PM

Bhubaneswar: In view of the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19– B.1.1.529– in South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana, passengers coming from these regions will be screened at the Biju Patnaik International Airport here in order to curb the possible transmission of the virus.

Informing about it, Rama Raman Mohanty, DMET, Odisha said as Bhubaneswar is the entry point for international travellers in the state, there is a need for screening of the passengers coming from South Africa, Hong Kong and Botswana.

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Spread of the virus can be prevented if the travellers are screened and kept under isolation for 10 days, the official said.

The Centre on Thursday told all the States and Union Territories to be cautious about international passengers travelling from or through Botswana, South Africa and Hong Kong in view of the new Covid variant detected in South Africa.

In a letter to the states, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “It has now been reported by NCDC that multiple cases of a Covid-19 variant — 8.1.1529 — have been reported in Botswana (three), South Africa (six) and Hong Kong (one). This variant is reported to have a significantly high number of mutations, and thus has serious public health implications for the country in view of the recently relaxed visa restrictions and opening up of international travel.

“It is imperative that all international travellers travelling from and transiting through these countries and also including all other ‘at risk’ countries are subjected to rigorous screening and testing. The contacts of these international travellers must also be closely tracked and tested.”

The letter has directed the states to ensure that samples of travellers turning positive are sent to the designated IGSLs promptly as per the INSACOG guidance document issued by the Health Ministry.

The ministry has also told the states and UTs to adhere to the overarching ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate’ principle to ensure stringent implementation of containment measures as per ministry guidelines.

(With IANS inputs)