Omicron threat: 32 samples sent for genome sequencing

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 5

As the Omicron variant is keeping health authorities across the globe on their toes, locals continue to throng markets and hold huge gatherings without following Covid protocols.

Formally, there is no case of Omicron in the state. As far as gatherings in the markets or at weddings are concerned, people should act responsibly, when it comes to their own health — Dr Ranjit Ghotra, Civil Surgeon

In view of the new variant, the Health Department sent 32 random samples of residents, for genome sequencing to ascertain the variant.

The health authorities confirmed that none of the samples sent were of international travellers, but only of locals.

Meanwhile, huge crowds could be seen at Sunday market without wearing masks and practising social distancing. Even after considerable increase in positive cases in the last one month, the district administration has been quite slow in enforcing Covid norms.

Ashok, a shopkeeper, said, “Me and my employees wear masks inside the shop. What can we say to customers? Majority of people do not wear masks. Throughout the day, I see only one or two customers with masks.”

Neeraj, a local, said: “Covid-19 guidelines are for people’s convenience only. With cases going down, people have become careless. Moroeover, it’s a wedding season.’

No new case in district

No new covid case or death was reported in Jalandhar on Sunday. The Covid tally remained at 63,514. The toll stands at 1,499. As many as 61,977 people recovered from Covid while the district has 38 active cases. Of the 18,41,283 samples collected in the district so far, 170,40,44 samples tested negative.

No fresh case in K’thala

No new case was reported in Kapurthala on Sunday and the tally stands at 17,869.