In ‘high-priority’ directive, U.P. govt asks officials to screen int’l passengers at all airports

The guideline issued by state secretary was sent to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, chief medical officers, and other health officials across the state.

LUCKNOW In an effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 cases across the state, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued a ‘high-priority’ directive instructing concerned officials to ensure that international passengers are screened at all airports. Those who display Covid-like symptoms should be tested, added the notification issued on Friday.

Those who display Covid-like symptoms should be tested, added the notification issued on Friday. (HT Photo)

In addition, the order says that all samples which test positive for Covid in the state should mandatorily be sent for genome sequencing. “Private and government labs should send all positive Covid samples to the microbiology department at KGMU for whole genome sequencing,” said the directive.

The guideline issued by state secretary was sent to all divisional commissioners, district magistrates, chief medical officers, and other health officials across the state. The state government directive is in line with the guidelines issued by the Centre.

The state government order further states that the integrated Covid command centres should be activated, surveillance teams should be made active, rapid response teams should be sensitised, and ‘nigrani samiti’ should be formed at the district-level. Also, rapid response teams should visit the residence of Covid patients within 24-hours of the sample testing positive.