Fears of Omicron loom in Karnataka after two South Africans test positive for COVID-19

 Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas explained that as many as 584 people have arrived in Bengaluru from 10 high-risk nations and 94 have come from South Africa alone so far

Karnataka health officials are a worried lot as two South African nationals who arrived in Bengaluru tested positive for COVID-19. Authorities are awaiting results of their genome sequencing reports to confirm whether it is the new Omicron variant. The duo have been isolated and quarantined.

Speaking to the media, Bengaluru Rural Deputy Commissioner K Srinivas on Saturday said that of the  international passengers screened at Kempegowda International Airport, two from South Africa have tested positive for COVID-19.

"Their samples have been collected and sent for genome sequencing. It takes about 48 hours to receive the reports. We are waiting to ascertain if they are infected with the new Omicron variant," he said.

Both are being quarantined in different facilities and they will be kept there until their test results confirm whether they have the new variant. Srinivas explained that as many as 584 people have arrived in Bengaluru from 10 high-risk nations and 94 have come from South Africa alone so far.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2021/nov/27/fears-of-omicron-loom-in-karnataka-after-two-south-africans-test-positive-for-covid-19-2388886.html