The Covid 19 instances have reappeared around the world. In China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States, there has been an alarming increase in Covid cases. In India, the center has undertaken a series of steps to deal with the Covid- 19 cases. In the midst of a new variant panic, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the COVID situation and other relevant factors in the country in a high-level meeting on 22 December, 2022, Thursday. 

The new Omicron Sub-variant BF.7 is to blame, and four Indians have tested positive so far. The institute has advised all states and UTs to increase sample collecting and Genome sequencing in order to uncover potential new variants. According to reports, instances have been reported from Gujarat, with one verified from Odisha. Two infected patients were identified in Ahmedabad, both of whom were locals, while the other in Vadodara was an NRI from the United States. All four patients were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms and have currently recovered. It has already been found in numerous other countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and European nations such as Belgium, Germany, France, and Denmark.  

“ Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen Surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation.” - Health Minister tweeted

Dr. VK Paul, Member Health, NITI Aayog, has recommended people to use masks in crowded places, especially higher age people. 

A high level meeting was held in which ceratin guidelines regarding Covid were discussed. The meeting was held by PM Narendra Modi and he was joined by Chief Minister, Amit Shah, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, Civil Aviation Office, NITI Aayog's VK Paul, Department of Biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahle, and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) Chairman Dr. NK Arora. 

Under the new guideline passengers from other countries will be screened randomly. People who are eligible, particularly the elderly and those with co-morbidities, should take the booster dose. People who have flu-like symptoms should be tested for Covid. The Government is urging people to wear masks again. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said to use hand sanitisers and to be careful especially in a view of upcoming festivals and New Year celebrations and maintain distance like before. Top officials are advising people to avoid traveling abroad. 

According to sources, the government is considering reintroduction required of 'air suvidha' paperwork with data of RT-PCR tests performed 72 hours before to flight or comprehensive vaccination proof for travelers arriving from China and other countries with a high number of COVID-19 cases. 

All you need to know about the variant

BF.T is a stem of the Omicron variation BA.5. Because it is highly transmissible, it possesses the most potent infection capacity. It has an R- value of 10 to 18.6, which implies that one infected individual will infect an average of 10 to 18.6 other persons. 

This variety has a shorter incubation time and a greater ability to reinfect or infect even people who have been vaccinated.

Symptoms of the Variant

Fatigue, Sore throat, runny nose and fever are the main symptoms of the virus. Other symptoms are Vomiting and Diarrhoea. 

" It has a reproduction value of more than 10 meaning, an infected individual can infect at least 10 others." - Dr NK Mehra, Honarary Emeritus Scientist of ICMR

The Health Minister, on the other hand, advised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Ashok Gehlot to follow the Covid regulations or postpone the Bharat Jodo Yatra. In addition to this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that health is more important than any other political issue. At the same time, Union Cabinet Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had written a letter to Rahul Gandhi in view of the Corona cases. In the letter, an appeal has been made to Rahul Gandhi to stop the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the letter from the Ministry of Health. Rahul Gandhi said, BJP has written a letter to me to stop the Bharat Jodo Yatra. Excuses are being made to stop the journey.