Digital Desk: As per the latest update, Meghalaya has witnessed Omicron surge at a high spike. Considering the Omicron surge in the state, the Centre has also asked other Northeastern states to speed up Covid-19 testing to detect all the potential positive cases before it turns into a pandemic emergency.
Therefore, on Tuesday, the Union Health Ministry urged the NE states to boost testing due to the Omicron surge. Moreover, the Centre has asked Meghalaya to impose a local lock after following reports that the state has recorded a sudden increase in Omicron cases.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a discussion with health secretaries of all the northeastern states through video conferencing. During the conference, the Covid-19 situation of the states was reviewed.
Moreover, health secretary Bhushan requested all the States to accelerate their healthcare infrastructure. "All the states have been asked to confirm observation to the appropriate Covid conduct, besides imposition of local limitations whenever needed," stated an official privy to the discussion.
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According to health ministry data, Meghalaya turned out to be the only state to witness a huge spike in Omicron surge in the last few days. So far, the state has recorded 75 Omicron cases. Out of these positive cases, only 10 individuals have recovered.
"It's a matter of concern that Meghalaya has been detecting a rapid surge in Omicron cases. It is even a point that Meghalaya draws individuals with its tourism hotspots. In such a case, when cases of Omicron are growing, there is every chance that the variant may transmit to the individuals visiting the state," stated Dr. Giridhar Gyani, director-general of health care providers.
Including Meghalaya, Assam and Manipur have lately detected Omicron cases in the last few weeks.
Earlier, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the new Omicron variant is three times more transmissible than Delta.
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