DC Srinagar reviews strategy to tackle imminent threat from “Omicron” Covid-19 variant

SRINAGAR : In wake of the threat of new Covid-19 variant ‘Omicron’, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad who is also the chairman District Disaster Management Authority(DDMA) Wednesday chaired a meeting of senior health functionaries of the district to finalize the strategy for containment measures in Srinagar, particularly with regard to adherence to SOPs for international travellers.

The meeting was attended by SDM East/ Incharge Covid-19, Owais Mushtaq, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Jameel, all Zonal Medical Officers and other concerned.

On the occasion, the DC asked all the concerned to remain alert and vigilant in order to tackle the new Covid-19 variant ‘Omicron’ and asked people to follow all Covid-19 SoPs as public health is the priority of the Administration. He directed the officers for strengthening surveillance of international arrivals, enhanced testing, monitoring of hot spots, and prompt dispatch of samples for genome sequencing and other actions.

The DC directed for maintaining a diligent and reliable database of all international travelers at International Airport Srinagar and taking strict action against travelers hiding their contact details.

During the meeting, the DC directed to conduct testing of samples at a single point at TRC Srinagar and the samples shall be sent for whole genome sequencing to know whether they are infected by new Covid-19 variant of Omicron or any other strain.

The DC also said better foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict & prompt containment action is required at all levels to fight the new variant.

Meanwhile, the DC also directed for ensuring Covid Appropriate Behaviour, strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs, besides ensuring fool-proof containment measures in containment and micro containment zones.