Covid-19: India says Omicron strain shows up on RT-PCR tests, advises states to ramp up checks

India's union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Tuesday that the Omicron variant does show up on RT-PCR and RAT testing, and advised the country's states to ramp up diagnostics for early identification.

All samples that test positive for Covid-19 are to be "promptly" sent for genome sequencing, Bhushan said in a meeting with state and union territory representatives to review the variant.

ALSO READ:

• Covid Omicron variant: Indian official says situation concerning, but not alarming

• Omicron variant: India offers vaccines, medical supplies to Africa in Covid-19 fight

• Covid-19 Omicron variant: 15 countries that have imposed travel bans, restrictions

• India