Enhanced surveillance is State’s priority, says Health Secretary

In the wake of the new variant of the novel coronavirus, Omicron, enhancement of surveillance and sequencing efforts, for better understanding of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, is among the State Go

In the wake of the new variant of the novel coronavirus, Omicron, enhancement of surveillance and sequencing efforts, for better understanding of circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants, is among the State Government’s priorities, Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan said.

At the same time, the Health Department will focus on extending vaccination coverage, especially among priority populations initially targetted for inoculation, who remain unvaccinated or are not yet fully vaccinated.

The use of masks, physical distancing, hand hygiene and improving ventilation of indoor spaces remain key to reducing the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and even Omicron, he said. A higher level of adherence may be required to control transmission, with a more transmissible variant, he said in a letter to all Collectors, the Greater Chennai Corporation, the Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and airport directors.