New SOP for fighting Omicron in place: Dr Rajo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 01 2021: Informing that new standard operating procedure (SOP) has been worked out and implemented from Wednesday to prevent spread of the new Covid-19 variant Omicron in the state, health director Dr K Rajo has urged the people to strictly follow the Covid appropriate behaviour.

Speaking to media persons at RD wing complex on Wednesday, Dr K Rajo informed that the new guideline issued by ministry on November 29 to prevent spread of Covid-19 variant Omicron has been implemented in the state from Wednesday.

Accordingly, passengers travelling from Omicron at-risk countries should produce 14 days travel history and possess RTPCR negative result taken within 72 hours.

Eight flight passengers who landed in the state from Omicron risky countries have been identified and precautionary measures been taken up, he said.

The director stressed that according to the new guidelines, RTPCR test will be conducted right after a passenger lands at the airport and he or she will be at the airport till confirmation of the results.

If found positive, then the passenger will be hospitalised and the sample will be sent for genome sequencing.

Those tested Covid-19 negative will be sent to their destination, Dr Rajo continued, while adding that those who come to the state and test negative will be kept under 7 days quarantine and RTPCR re-test should be done.

They will further stay in quarantine.

Maintaining that the department has taken up precautionary measures in connection with the Omicron variant, Dr Rajo said that necessary initiatives have been taken up to increase testing and vaccination by utilising staffers of Covid Care Centre.

The beds in district hospital have been increased.

Preparation to increase 17 more ambulances in addition to 42 ambulances has also been made.

Moreover, RT PCR testing centres will be set up in every district hospital, he said, while urging the people to strictly follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour.

Regarding the dengue cases in the state, Dr K Rajo said that spread of the vector borne disease is under control.

In all, 161 dengue cases were confirmed, of which only nine patients are under treatment in hospital presently, he added.

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