We have started random RT-PCR sampling at international airports: Mansukh Mandaviya in LS

States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid 19.

New Delhi, Dec 22: Random sampling for Covid tests of incoming international travellers has started at airports, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya informed Lok Sabha on Thursday.

Making a statement in Lok Sabha, Mandaviya said states have been "advised to ensure protocol is followed", but there is no mandate yet.

"In the wake of festive and new year season, states are advised to make sure people wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain social distancing along with increasing awareness for precautionary doses," said Mansukh Mandaviya in Lok Sabha.

"From the last few days, Covid cases have been rising in the world but in India, cases are depleting. We are seeing rising Covid cases and deaths due to it in China," Mandaviya said.

"The health department has been quite proactive in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. The central govt has provided financial assistance to states in fighting against the pandemic. So far, 220 crore covid vaccine shots have been given," he added.

"We are keeping an eye on the global covid situation and are taking steps accordingly. States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid-19," Mandaviya said.

"We have also started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at International airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps," he said.

Rejecting politics over oxygen plants during covid, the health minister said, "we haven't done any politics on covid. Oxygen plants have been set up in big hospitals across the country and are being run. We have reviewed the adequate amount of medicines in the country."

The statement comes amid surge in coronavirus cases globally, especially in China, United States, South Korea, Brazil and Japan.

Three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, apparently the strain driving China's current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far.

The first case of BF.7 in India was detected in October by Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre. So far, two cases have been reported from Gujarat while one case has been reported from Odisha.