First case of Omicron COVID-19 variant in Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh reported its first case of Omicron on Sunday


Today Andhra Pradesh Health Department informed, “A 34-year-old foreign traveler came from Ireland to Mumbai Airport, was tested and found negative for COVID-19 RT-PCR test. Then he was allowed to travel and came to Visakhapatnam on November 27.

 

Test was again conducted at Vizianagaram, the RT-PCR test was found positive for COVID-19. His sample was then sent to CCMB, Hyderabad for genome sequencing and the sample was declared Omicron positive.”

However, earlier on December 11, He was tested negative for the virus.

 

There were no other Omicron cases in the state. This is the first case of Omicron identified in Andhra Pradesh.

 

As per the official statement, a total number of 15 foreign travelers were found COVID-19 RT-PCR positive and all the 15 samples were sent to CCMB for per the official communiqué.

 

The Andhra Pradesh Health Department has advised the public not to worry. Government has asked to take precautions and follow social distancing, wearing masks and washing hands regularly.

 

States including Delhi, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat have reported cases of the new COVID-19 variant till now.

 

On November 26, the WHO named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which has been detected in South Africa, as ‘Omicron’.

 

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