Omicron scare: UP govt increases vigilance at borders, ramps up healthcare facilities

new COVID-19 variant, Omicron, has prompted Uttar Pradesh government to tighten its measures in order to control spread of virus. As 23 cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus have emerged in India, UP administration has issued guidelines regarding new variant, designated as ‘variant of concern’ by World Health Organization. According to new guidelines issued by state government, people travelling to Uttar Pradesh need to undergo RT-PCR tests for COVID-19, according to PTI.

New guidelines in Uttar Pradesh

Furrmore, all people who test positive for coronavirus need to undergo geme tests. new rules have been introduced for people coming to state as cases of new variant have been reported in or parts of country. UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ramp up vaccination programme, according to ANI. He ordered officials to follow measures recommended by health advisory committee regarding treatment and prevention of disease.  

Amid Omicron scare, 19000 beds are being increased in state's Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) while 55,000 beds will be increased in medical colleges, as per PTI report. administration is making efforts to implement advanced facilities in nearly 3011 PHCs and 855 CHCs, as per ANI report. CM Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure proper arrangement in hospitals in view of new variant. Furrmore, state government is also monitoring availability of oxygen, beds, laboratories.

Meanwhile, Yogi Adityanath, in a Koo posted on his official handle informed that Uttar Pradesh has administered over 17 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine.

Omicron cases in India 

India has so far detected 23 Omicron cases from four states and one Union territory. Out of se 23 cases, nine Omicron cases have been reported in Rajasthan, 10 cases have been reported in Maharashtra. Two cases of new variant have been reported in Karnataka and one each in Delhi and Gujarat. Omicron variant of COVID-19 was designated as a 'variant of concern' by World Health Organisation on 26 vember. After cases of Omicron of COVID emerged in a few countries, several countries imposed travel restrictions in order to prevent spread of virus. 

Inputs from PTI, ANI

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