Existing diagnostic tests, such as the Real-Time PCR as well as Rapid Antigen Tests can pick up this new variant said Prof Mini P Singh, Professor of Virology and Nodal Officer, COVID-19 Testing at PGIMER on Monday.
PGIMER released this statement to combat the panic after the Chandigarh Administration found one South Africa Return person of Sector 36 positive with COVID 19.
“Though Chandigarh Health Department has isolated the person in question and his close contacts yet the genome sequencing result is awaited to ensure if it is Omicron Variant or not, which will take two weeks, said DHS Dr Suman Singh.
The emergence of Omicron (B.1.1.529), a new variant of concern of SARS-CoV-2, has attracted worldwide attention. This variant is believed to have originated in South Africa in an immune-compromised patient.
Since then, it has been detected in Botswana, Belgium, Hong Kong, Israel and some European countries. It is characterized by multiple mutations in the spike and nucleocapsid proteins which outnumber the mutations seen in the Delta variant. The spike protein is the key protein that binds with human receptors to gain entry into cells.
With regard to this new strain, there is still uncertainty related to transmissibility, immune escape potential (from infection and vaccine-induced immunity), severity of disease and response to available countermeasures (e.g. diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics). At present, there is no evidence of importation and transmission of the Omicron in the Indian subcontinent. However, given its immune escape potential and possible transmissibility advantage as compared to Delta (as indicated by the rapid surge in South Africa), likelihood of potential introduction and subsequent transmission of Omicron is high and we need to be on the alert.
People are advised to continue following COVID appropriate behavior (i.e. masking, social distancing, hand hygiene) and ensure vaccination of all eligible individuals. Mass gatherings and non-essential travel should be strictly avoided.
Patients with respiratory symptoms should get themselves tested for COVID-19 and isolate themselves till the reports are available. Dr PVM Lakshmi, Professor, Community Medicine & School of Public Health, highlighted that enhanced surveillance will be important to detect the early warning signs and prompt initiation of public health and social measures.
“There is no need to panic as, so far, no case of this new variant has been reported in India. As per instructions of the Government of India, ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate-COVID appropriate behavior’ should continue to be followed,” the professor said.