Odisha Health Department Gears Up Face New Covid Variant, Stress On Genome Sequencing And Complying Covid Appropriate Behaviour

Bhubaneswar: With the new BF.7 variant of the Covid playing havoc in China and other countries, and one sample from Odisha being identified belonging to the new variant, the State Health Department has started taking early steps to face it. Secretary, Health And Family Welfare Department, Shalini Pandit has directed all District Collectors, CDMOs, MCHs and health officials to gear up the disease surveillance and Whole-genome sequencing of positive case samples. The department has also said that there is no need to panic due to the BF.7 variant. It also requested all to abide by Covid Appropriate Behaviour and wear masks.

Speaking to media, Odisha Health Director Bijay Kumar Mahapatra has said that, a high level meeting will be held tomorrow afternoon to discuss about the preparedness to face any challenges arising out of the recent surge in cases in other countries. Officials from the health Department, RMRC, ILS and other departments will take part in the meeting. He also appealed all people to wear mask particularly when in crowded places and obey appropriate behavior.