2 passengers from UK test Covid +ve at Kolkata airport
The state health department is conducting genome sequencing of the two passengers to determine if they have been infected by the more transmissible new strain of SARS-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease. December 23, 2020 5:38:46 am
The state is also inching closer to a death toll of 50,000; 49,058 deaths have been recorded due to the virus so far. (Representational)
Two passengers tested positive for Covid-19 at Kolkata airport on Sunday, officials said on Tuesday. According to sources, the state health department was immediately informed and all protocols were followed.
The state health department is conducting genome sequencing of the two passengers to determine if they have been infected by the more transmissible new strain of SARS-CoV-2, which causes the coronavirus disease.
According to officials, the government will conduct genome sequencing for all Covid-positive passengers arriving from the UK from Monday to determine if they have been infected by the new strain of novel coronavirus found in that country.
As per the health department, if the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of new variant of SARS-CoV-2, the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit. While necessary treatment as per the existing protocol will be given, the patient shall be tested on 14th day, after having tested positive in the initial test.
“People have to keep it in mind that Covid-19 (pandemic) is still there, so all social distancing protocols related to Covid-19 like washing hands, avoiding public places, keeping distance from people, proper sanitisation of surfaces should be in place and maintained strictly,” added another official.”