India will enhance genome sequencing of positive cases to track coronavirus variants
New Delhi:
The horror stories of COVID-19 leaking out of China and new cases being reported from the US have prompted the center to be prepared for any eventuality. The Department of Health has written to all states to increase the genomic sequencing of positive cases to track coronavirus variants through the INSACOG network.
“Given the sudden explosion of cases witnessed in Japan, the United States, South Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to be prepared for the entire Genome sequencing of the positive case samples to track variations through… the INSACOG network,” Health Minister Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to all states.
“Such an exercise would enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and would facilitate the implementation of the necessary public health measures for the country,” said Bhushan. similar variations”.
The SARS-CoV-2 Genome Consortium of India, or INSACOG, is an association of more than 50 laboratories to track genomic variants of the COVID-19 virus. Genome sequencing is a technique used to identify and understand the characteristics of new virus strains.
The center said samples of all positive cases should be sent daily to INSACOG genome sequencing labs mapped with all states and Union Territories.
About 35,000 Covid-19 cases continue to be reported each week globally, the center said. India recorded 112 new Covid cases this morning; Active cases fell to 3,490, according to Health Ministry data.
Crematoriums across China are struggling to cope with a growing body of bodies as the country battles a wave of Covid-19 infections that authorities say cannot be traced, AFP news agency news.
Cases are skyrocketing across China, with hospitals struggling and pharmacy shelves empty following the government’s surprise decision to lift years of lockdowns, quarantines and testing. series.
The United States has warned the outbreak is now causing concern for the rest of the world, given the possibility of further spikes and the size of China’s economy.
In the Chinese capital Beijing, local authorities on Tuesday reported only five deaths from Covid, up from two the day before, AFP reported.
Beijing health officials said only those who directly died of respiratory failure caused by the virus were counted in the Covid mortality statistics.
“Currently after being infected with the Omicron variant, the main cause of death is still underlying diseases,” Wang Guiqiang of Peking University No. 1 Hospital told reporters.
The US State Department said the increase was now an issue of international concern. “We know that any time a virus spreads, which is in the wild, it has the potential to mutate and pose a threat to people everywhere,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price. place”. “Virus rate worries rest of world due to size of China’s GDP [gross domestic product]given the size of the Chinese economy,” he added.
With input from AFP
