Covid: Nagaland reports 54 Omicron cases, including 49 ‘Stealth Omicron’

February 2, 2022 47 Views No Comment

February 2, 2022
Staff Reporter/Correspondent

Nagaland has reported 54 Omicron cases, out of which 49 were of the BA.2 sub lineage of Omicron variant of Covid-19. The Omicron cases were detected from the 152 samples that were sent for whole genome sequencing (WGS) to Institute of Bioresources and Sustainable Development (IBSD), Imphal. However, lineage of two samples could not be detected by WGS.
Dubbed as BA.2, the sub-variant of Omicron (BA.1) hasn’t been classed as a variant of concern (VoC) by World Health Organisation (WHO), popularly known as ‘Stealth Omicron’.

State nodal officer for BSL labs, research & ethics, Dr Vinotsole Tina Khamo informed principal director health & family welfare (H&FW), Dr Neikrielie Khimiao in a letter on Tuesday that results of the samples sent on January 20 to IBSD Imphal were received on January 31. (See Table)

Further, it was also learnt that most of those infected with Omicron cases have had no travel history, indicating community spread of the highly infectious variant of concern in the State.

Meanwhile, confirming that Omicron cases were detected in Nagaland, Khimiao admitted that due to lack of facility in the State to conduct genome sequencing, reports could not be furnished early.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, he claimed that ever since the Omicron cases were reported in India, the H&FW department had requested the Centre to help the State set up a genome sequencing testing facility. He said the department was assured that the Centre, under a certain programme, would assist it in setting up the genome sequencing laboratory.

Khimiao mentioned that the department had already put in place a healthcare delivery system and issued orders to all districts up to health sub-centres to be prepared to battle the Omicron variant.

Though the Omicron variant was said to be five times more transmissible than the Delta, and came in a big wave and faded early, the PD remarked the State did not witness anyone getting admitted to hospital and hoped it would improve by the end of this month.

Though Omicron was less severe than the Delta variant, he pointed that the treatment for both remained the same.

Regarding closure of schools in the State, Khimiao said this would have to be observed for some more time and was hopeful that some measures would be taken for children to attend their classes.

Urging everyone to strictly follow the Covid SOPs issued by the State government, he pointed out that if any further changes were required, High Powered Committee might issue revised guidelines after assessing the situation.

On the other hand, taking to Twitter, State health minister S Pangnyu Phom claimed that the H&FW department was keenly monitoring the Covid situation in the State and that all possible measures were in place.

He further appealed all to adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviours and get inoculated against Covid-19.

It may be mentioned that National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) director Mukesh Kumar had stated on January 27 that the Omicron sub-variant BA.2 was more prevalent in India now.

In its January 10 bulletin, Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) under the Union Health Ministry said the Omicron variant of the coronavirus was in the community transmission stage in the country and had become dominant.

Source: http://www.nagalandpost.com/covid-nagaland-reports-54-omicron-cases-including-49-stealth-omicron/