HYDERABAD: Seven people who returned from the UK to Telangana in the past month have tested positive for the Covid-19 virus. Their samples have now been sent to the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) for genome sequencing to find out if they are affected by the existing strain or if it’s newly mutated and highly infectious B.1.1.7 variant found in the UK.
Sources told TOI that not wanting to take any chances, the state health officials have gone into high alert and are aggressively tracking contacts of those who tested positive.
“The seven patients are from Hyderabad, Medchal, Warangal Urban, Siddipet and Jagityal districts. They have been kept in isolation at various hospitals, separate from the other Covid-19 patients,” said a health department official, adding that special wards will have to be set up for the UK returnees who have tested positive.
Of the roughly 1,200 people who have returned to Telangana from the UK since December 9, 846 of have been tested. “All the seven patients who tested positive are being monitored separately and people who have come in contact with them are being traced. We are also monitoring those returnees who have tested negative,” said health minister Eatala Rajender in an official statement.
In the wake of global concerns about the new variant of the existing novel coronavirus, the minister appealed to people to be vigilant. He suggested that people observe the upcoming Christmas, New Year and Sankranti celebrations at home, urging all to follow Covid precautions including wearing masks, hand hygiene and physical distancing.