Mangaluru: The Dakshina Kannada health department stated that 17 passengers have arrived in the district from high-risk countries, since the emergence of the Omicron variant of the virus.

Of the 17 passengers, 10 hailed from Mangaluru taluk, one from Puttur taluk and the remaining were from Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Kerala. The district has taken all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of Covid-19, especially the variant of concern, said Dr Ashok H, nodal officer for Covid-19 in Dakshina Kannada.

Dr Ashok told TOI that all the 17 passengers tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
“We have been sending randomised samples for genome sequencing periodically. Samples collected from Covid-19 clusters are also sent for genome sequencing. However, we have no clusters in the district at present, as the number of daily cases has reduced drastically in the last few weeks. Meanwhile, in the wake of the Omicron threat, samples of those who arrive from high-risk countries are sent for genome sequencing within 24 hours, if they test positive for Covid-19. None of the 17 passengers who arrived in Dakshina Kannada from high-risk countries tested positive for Covid-19,” he said.

Dakshina Kannada district surveillance officer Dr Jagadeesh said that the district has been sending an average of 15 samples randomly, in a fortnight, for genome sequencing. “Transit passengers from high-risk countries like South Africa, Belgium and other nations, who arrived at the Mangaluru International Airport (MIA) via Dubai, were subjected to RT-PCR testing at the airport. If they test positive for Covid-19, their samples are sent for genome sequencing. We are now giving special emphasis for all international passengers, especially those from European countries, who land at MIA. When it comes to the Omicron variant, the district is so far safe, as all those who arrived here from high-risk countries have tested negative for Covid-19,” he said.
Deputy commissioner K V Rajendra said that the district has ramped up surveillance at the airport and borders. “We are planning to send more positive samples for genome sequencing from the district,” he added.