ANI Photo | Centre directs states to conduct genome sequencing of COVID-19 positive samples

In view of the recent rising cases of COVID-19 in some countries, the Union health ministry on December 20 asked states and Union territories to send samples of all COVID-19 positive cases to INSACOG labs to track new variants, if any.

The health ministry and INSACOG are keeping a sharp watch on the situation.

“In view of the sudden spurt of cases being witnessed in Japan, United States, the Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive cases samples to track the variants through SARS-CoV-2 Genome Consortium Network (INSACOG) network,” Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter addressed to the states and Union territories on December 20.

“All states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) that are mapped to the States and UTs,” said Union health secretary.

“Such an exercise will enable the timely detection of new variants. If any, circulating in the country and wil facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures for the same,” added Bhushan.

Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya will hold a meeting with senior officials and experts on the COVID-19 situation in the country on December 21.

He will also review meetings on COVID-19 situations in other countries.

This report is filed by ANI news service. TheNewsMill holds no responsibility for this content.

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