NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Supreme Court Of India
    Central Bureau Of Investigation (CBI)
    Indian Army
    Indian Railways
    Indian Air Force
    NewsBytes
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    NewsBytes
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout


    India Business World Politics Sports Technology Entertainment Auto Lifestyle Inspirational Career Bengaluru Delhi Mumbai Visual Stories Find Cricket Statistics Phones Reviews Fitness Bands Reviews Speakers Reviews

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
     
    Home / News / India News / Increase genome sequencing to track COVID-19 variants: Centre tells states
    India

    Increase genome sequencing to track COVID-19 variants: Centre tells states

    Increase genome sequencing to track COVID-19 variants: Centre tells states
    Written by Prateek Talukdar
    Dec 21, 2022, 10:16 am 2 min read
    Increase genome sequencing to track COVID-19 variants: Centre tells states
    The US reported 57,625 new cases on Monday, while China reported 4,666 new cases. The total number of cases and deaths in China are still far lower than that of the US and Europe at their peak

    Amid a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, and the US, the Union Health Ministry has asked all states and union territories to increase genome sequencing of positive cases to track variants through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network. In the letter, Health Ministry Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said it will help in the timely detection of any new variant.

    Why does this story matter?

    • Prompted by widespread protests against a strict lockdown of over three months, China eased restrictions under its 'zero-COVID' policy, following which it is facing a fresh spike in COVID-19 cases.
    • Cities reportedly relaxed testing requirements, control of movement, and quarantine rules.
    • Reports say healthcare and crematorium facilities are becoming overwhelmed across the country.
    • However, the Chinese government hasn't corroborated such reports.

    Send as many samples as possible daily: Health Ministry

    The letter asked all states to send as many samples as possible to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) on a daily basis. It said that the policy was in line with the Health Ministry's Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy issued in June this year, which called for the timely management to detect and contain outbreaks of new COVID-19 variants.

    35 lakh cases reported globally per week, 1,200 in India

    The letter said that the public health challenge of COVID-19 still persists globally, with around 35 lakh cases reported weekly. Meanwhile, India has been able to restrict the transmission with its focus on a five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccinate and adherence to COVID-appropriate behavior. As a result, India currently sees around 1,200 new cases on a weekly basis, it read.

    INSACOG network of 50 labs to track genomic variations

    The INSACOG network is a consortium of over 50 laboratories to keep a check on genomic variations in the COVID-19 virus. India reported 112 new cases on Tuesday, while active cases fell to 3,490, as per the Health Ministry's data.

    Concerned about the outbreak in China: US

    As hospitalizations are on the rise in the US, it said it was concerned about the outbreak in China given the size of the latter's economy and the potential for further mutations. Beijing reported five deaths on Tuesday, as compared to two the previous day. Health officials said only deaths related to direct respiratory failure will be counted under COVID-19 death statistics.

    Share this timeline
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Union Health Ministry
    COVID-19
    COVID-19 India
    China

    Union Health Ministry

    Not liable for deaths by COVID-19 vaccine: Centre tells SC Supreme Court Of India
    With 2,726, Delhi reports highest COVID-19 cases in 7 months Delhi
    Treat as COVID-19 death if infected dies in hospital: HC Allahabad High Court
    Indian medical students from China, Ukraine now eligible for FMGE Supreme Court Of India

    COVID-19

    COVID-19 may engulf 60% of China's population in 3 months China
    Thai princess, who collapsed last week, on critical life support Thailand
    Chinese residents hesitant of COVID-19 vaccine as cases rise: Reports China
    Goldman Sachs to layoff 4,000 'low performing' employees Goldman Sachs

    COVID-19 India

    Urban unemployment rate dropped in July-September 2022: NSO report Employment
    Air Suvidha form scrapped! Centre's new rules for international passengers COVID-19 Guidelines
    COVID-19 vaccination boosts cancer treatment efficacy in patients: Study COVID-19 Vaccine
    COVID-19: India reports 862 cases, lowest tally in 6 months COVID-19

    China

    #NewsBytesExplainer: What's Rule 267 that Opposition invoked in Rajya Sabha? Parliament
    China may witness over 1 million COVID-19 deaths in 2023 COVID-19
    India successfully conducts night trial of nuclear-capable Agni-V ballistic missile Defence Ministry
    China's attempt to launch the world's first methane-fueled rocket fails Space News

    Love India News?

    Subscribe to stay updated.

    India Thumbnail
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2023