Amid cluster outbreaks, states asked to step up surveillance

The Centre is worried about cluster outbreaks including the two in Karnataka. It has asked the state governments to increase testing and genomic surveillance in these hotspots.

Even as the threat of the Omicron variant looms large, the Centre has red-flagged cluster outbreaks in some states. According to sources, the government is particularly worried about two cluster outbreaks in Karnataka, which are now under active surveillance after India reported two Omicron variant cases in the state.

Secretary (health) Rajesh Bhushan has written to state chief secretaries and has advised the states to increase testing and genomic surveillance specifically in these areas. "Some clusters of infections have been reported from some places in the country. Active surveillance and testing is the key in detection of such clusters or hotspots. Kindly keep actively following up the number of cases, rate of testing and positivity district-wise in all districts. Any uptick in cases and positivity must be immediately taken cognisance of and addressed through public health measures such as contact tracing, quarantining of contacts, isolation of those found positive and ensuring proper containment," said Bhushan.