By Kwanta Douglas –
Tanzania has said that no cases of Omicron have been identified in the nation, despite reports that an Indian who traveled to New Delhi from Tanzania had tested positive for the Covid form.
Tanzania’s Health Ministry Permanent Secretary (PS), Abel Makubi, said the Tanzanian government is looking into claims that a patient who came in New Delhi from Tanzania may have Omicron.
“We’re working closely with our contacts and the Indian embassy to gain a full picture of the situation, and we’ll take additional steps if necessary.”
Prof Makubi stated, “We have not yet registered the new Covid-19 variant, Omicron, in the country.”
On Sunday, reports quoting India’s Health Minister Satyendar Jain said that the city of New Delhi had recorded its first Omicron case from a citizen who had travelled from India. It was also the fifth case of Omicron in India, as the country had earlier detected the variant in other parts of the country – Maharashtra, Guraj and Karnataka.
Prof Makubi said Tanzania’s National Laboratory is researching the virus’s genetic mutation and once detected it will be made public.
“Let the public not worry but keep on observing precaution measures, including washing hands with soap and running water, wearing face marks, and avoiding unnecessary gatherings. Tanzania, like any other country, conducts Rapid Test at the airport and [requires travellers to have] a negative Covid-19 certificate prior travelling,” he said.
Travellers who test positive for Covid-19 at the airport are always referred to medical personnel for further treatment, he added.
Meanwhile, the World Health Organization says there is currently no information to suggest the Omicron variant is more deadly than other Covid-19 variants previously detected.
AFP