Genome sequencing of samples from SDM Medical College reports no traces of Omicron

The genome sequencing of 113 swab samples collected from SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital reported no Omicron.

Recently, SDM College of Medical Sciences in Dharwad was in news for reporting as many as 306 Covid 19 cases. Most of the infected students were fully vaccinated. 

To ensure that they are not infected by the new variant of coronavirus, 113 swab samples were collected from the college and sent for genome sequencing. The reports have come and non of the infected students are found to be infected by the new variant.

After the report came, the District Deputy Commissioner, Nitesh Patil, said that the college Covid-19 outbreak was not because of this new variant. 

Most of the infected people in the college are reported to be asymptomatic and only six have mild symptoms. All infected students are undergoing treatment inside the college hostels and staff is being treated at their respective homes.

The district authorities suspected that the virus outbreak occurred due to the recent freshers' party in the college held on November 17. A few days later, on November 24, nearly 66 students were found Covid-19 positive which eventually increased to 306.

The students of the college are not found to be infected with the new variant but the initial two cases of the Omicron variant in India have been detected in Karnataka. The two people are foreigners aged 46 and 66.

Health Ministry's Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal said that there is no need to panic about this as both the cases are showing mild symptoms. However, awareness is absolutely needed and people need to keep following the pandemic induced safety protocols, he added.

Read more:

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