Two more cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus surfaced in Telangana on Friday, taking the total number of the cases of new variant to eight.
State director of health G Srinivasa Rao told reporters on Friday that two of the fresh cases, one person came from Czech Republic and another woman from the United Kingdom. “We could trace the international traveller from Czech Republic in Hyderabad and the one from the UK at Subedari area in Hanamkonda district,” Rao said.
On Thursday, four positive cases of Omicron variant were reported including three from Kenya and one is of Indian origin from Dubai. “So far, 6,764 international passengers from high risk countries were tested since December 1. Similarly, random sampling testing of passengers coming from other than “at countries,” was also done.
In all, nine passengers, who were tested at the Hyderabad International Airport, turned out to be positive for Omicron variant. Of them, there were from Kenya, two from Dubai and one each from Abu Dhabi, Sudan, Czech Republic and London. Out of them, three are Indians, three are of Somalia nationality and two are Kenyans.
{{/usCountry}}In all, nine passengers, who were tested at the Hyderabad International Airport, turned out to be positive for Omicron variant. Of them, there were from Kenya, two from Dubai and one each from Abu Dhabi, Sudan, Czech Republic and London. Out of them, three are Indians, three are of Somalia nationality and two are Kenyans.
{{/usCountry}}Out of eight cases traced in Telangana, two – one from the UK and another from Czech Republic were fully vaccinated and other six were not vaccinated at all.
“Based on their local residential address, seven cases were found to be from Hyderabad and one from Hanmakonda district. One case, that of a 7-year-old boy who belongs to Kolkata, was referred to West Bengal, as he did not enter Telangana and took the connecting flight to Kolkata soon after his arrival on December 12,” the director of health said.
He clarified that going by the tracing and testing of the contacts, it was revealed that there was no community spreading of Omicron variant as of now.
Rao said there was no need to panic about the new variant, as 95 per cent of the persons who contracted this virus that spread in 190 countries, did not report any major symptoms. Except one patient in the UK, there were no deaths in any of these countries.
“We are fully prepared to tackle the third wave of the Coronavirus, even if there are 10 different varieties. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is to get vaccinated. We request the people to get tested if they have any symptoms and be vaccinated twice, apart from following the Covid-19 precautions,” the director of health added.