Delay in genome reports hits efforts to track Omicron spread in Punjab

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 3

The delay in reports of genome sequencing of Covid samples is hampering the fight against the new variant, Omicron, in Punjab.

The problem was evident even when the first Omicron case was reported from SBS Nagar in the state. He tested positive on December 12, but the presence of Omicron variant was confirmed on December 28.

The man, who arrived at Chak Ramu in Mukandpur block of the district on December 4, had visited his relatives. He had tested negative upon his arrival, but tested positive on December 12. He was then admitted to a hospital and his samples were sent for genome sequencing at a facility set up at the Government Medical College, Patiala. The genome sequencing report declaring him positive for the Omicron variant arrived on December 28.

By the time the report reached officials of the state Health Department, the patient had already recovered. Had the Health Department come to know about the variant in time, it would have taken the case more seriously and ensured the isolation of the infected person.

Sources in the department revealed that there was too much delay in getting the reports of genome sequencing samples, especially from Delhi. “It is common that we get reports of samples sent for genome sequencing to Delhi after three weeks. However, reports in Punjab take one week,” said Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, state’s nodal officer for Covid.

Significantly, the state health department has been conducting around 15,000 Covid tests every day, which is almost 15 per cent of the average samples tested during the second wave.

According to health officials, during the second wave, around two lakh cases were reported. Around 10 per cent of the patients required hospitalisation and around 2 per cent required intensive care.