With the emergence of Omicron variant of COVID-19 in some parts of the World, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Om Prakash Soni on Monday reviewed the preparations of the state to tackle the third possible wave of the Pandemic, while asking the Health officials to ensure strict monitoring of the passengers coming especially from South Africa, Brazil, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Mauritius, New Zealand, Zimbabwe, Singapore, Hong Kong and Israel as the new variant cases have detected recently.Mr. Soni, who is also minister in-charge Health and Family Welfare Department, directed the Health Department officials to immediately start preparations to deal with any possible exigency, besides initiating the procurement of necessary medicines and equipment in this regard.
Secretary Health and Family Welfare Mr. Vikas Garg apprised the Deputy Chief Minister that the state Health Department has started monitoring of the passengers as per the guidelines issued by Union Health Ministry for passengers coming from other countries. All passengers are being sent for 7 days compulsory quarantine despite they tested negative. After completing the quarantine period of seven days, the person will have to undergo COVID test again and if tested negative he will send home with an advice to self isolate himself for another 7 days.The meeting was attended by Mr. Vikas Garg, MD NHM Mr. Kumar Rahul, MD Punjab Health System Corporation Mr. Bhupinder Singh, Director Health and Family Welfare Dr. Andesh Kang, Director Health Services Mr. O.P. Gojra.