Rajasthan: Over 90% samples sent for genome sequencing test Omicron positive

JAIPUR: The current surge in Covid-19 cases is driven by Omicron, as 92 per cent samples sent for the genome sequencing last week tested positive for the variant. The weekly positive rate has increased to 5.26 per cent due to the spread of the virus at a fast pace.

“Though Omicron is spreading in the state, people need not to worry much. But, they need to remain cautious and follow the guidelines issued by the centre and the state from time to time,” Parsadi Lal Meena, health minister told TOI.

The weekly genome sequencing report last week showed 71 per cent of the samples tested positive for the variant.

Around five weeks ago, the variant, which was dominating in the state, was Delta as 75.7 per cent samples sent for genome sequencing tested positive for it, 15.37 per cent tested positive for Delta like variant.

With Omicron leading the current positivity rate, the health authorities are now focusing more on Covid testing for identifying the cases early to prevent its spread further.

Health secretary Vaibhav Galriya held a video conferencing on Tuesday directing the officials to collect more Covid samples for testing. “The more tests will be conducted, the earlier we will be able to control the spread of the virus,” said Galriya.

In the meeting, health department officials from across the state, principal and controller of medical colleges, chief medical health officers took part.

The health department has alerted the microbiologists to remain prepared as sample collection will be increased in coming days. There should be no shortage of manpower. In remote areas, the health department officials will intensify Covid surveillance too.

In the state, 532 medical oxygen plants are proposed, out of which, 473 have started functioning.

The rest of them will be commissioned soon, said an official.