Omicron: Kejriwal hints community spread, announces genome sequencing of all positive samples

New Delhi, Dec 20 (Representative) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday gave an indication of the community spread of Omicron in Delhi. The minister has decided that all positive samples of COVID-19 found in the national capital would undergo genome sequencing investigation to determine the presence of Omicron and other variants. “For the last few days, COVID-19 cases are increasing in the city. Yesterday (Sunday), it was over 100. We don’t know what type of Covid cases these are, normal or the Omicron variant. So, to ascertain this, not just the positive samples of international travelers, but of all COVID-19 patients detected in Delhi will go for genome sequencing,” he announced while addressing digitally.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) during which the Omicron situation, including its possible effects and steps to deal with it, was discussed, according to the chief minister. So far, the state government was sending only 5 per cent of the positive samples detected in a day for genome sequencing, as per directions by the Centre. Meanwhile, Kejriwal also batted for booster doses of Covid vaccines amid the threat of Omicron surge. The minister appealed to the Centre for allowing booster shots for those residents in Delhi who have been fully immunized. On the basis of discussion with experts, I request the Union Government to allow administration of booster shots of Covid-19 vaccines to those who have received full immunization so that their immunity level stays “99 per cent of our eligible population (Delhi) has received at least one dose while more than 70 per cent among them are fully immunized. I request the central government to allow booster doses for those who have received both the doses. This will further help the vaccine-generated immunity to fight Omicron,” he added. Kejriwal also said the home isolation system will be strengthened in Delhi and an update guideline regarding this will be issued on December 23. “According to experts the Omicron variant only causes mild symptoms. We will strengthen the home isolation system as most cases will not require hospitalization. There is no need to panic in view of the Omicron variant as we have made adequate arrangements in hospitals to deal with any outbreak,” he added.