COVID Variant BF.7: IMA Asks Indians To Avoid Travelling Abroad, Wear Masks In Public Places
For many, the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays are the first since the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak when they felt safe to travel as the new cases are relatively low.
Many have already made their travel plans, including to international destinations. But that is now increasingly risky as COVID-19 cases are again rising in many countries, including the US, China and parts of Europe.
IMA's COVID-19 advisory
Amid a spike in new cases triggered by BF.7 Omicron sub-variant, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Thursday advised people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour with immediate effect. The medical body asked people to avoid international travel and wear masks in all public places.
In a statement, the IMA said the situation was not alarming in India and there was no need to panic. "Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, all are advised to take following necessary steps to overcome the impending COVID outbreak," the IMA said.
The Union Health Ministry, while ruling out a major outbreak in India due to BF.7 Omicron sub-variant, has urged caution.
Random testing for foreign arrivals?
On Thursday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said that the government has started random RT-PCR sampling among the passengers arriving at International airports in the country.
"We have also started the random RT-PCR sampling among passengers arriving at International airports in the country. We are committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps," Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said in his statement in the Lok Sabha.
He also asked states to make sure that people wear masks, use sanitisers and maintain social distancing even during the festive and the New Year season.
Air suvidha may be reintroduced
There are also reports that the Health Ministry is examining the reintroduction of mandatory 'air suvidha' forms with details of RT-PCR tests conducted 72 hours before travel or complete vaccination proof for passengers from countries reporting a high number of COVID cases.
COVID-19 test of Taj Mahal visitors?
On Thursday, District Health Information Officer in Agra said that keeping the evolving situation in mind, tourists coming to the Taj Mahal will have to undergo a COVID test before their visit.?
"The health department has already started the tests to prevent the spread of infection. As the alert is on, the tests have now been made mandatory for all the visitors," Anil Satsangi, the District Health Information Officer (Agra), said.
The BF.7 is a sub-lineage of the Omicron variant BA.5 and has the most potent infection ability since it is highly transmissible, has a shorter incubation period, and has a higher capacity to cause reinfection or infect even those vaccinated.
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