THE BF.7 variant has returned the scare of the corona. With China reporting its worst-level of infection the world has started feeling its heat. Scientists have tried to allay fears about the BF.7 variant of coronavirus which is causing a surge in cases in some parts of the world.

Countries across the globe are taking precautionary steps against this surge. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Health Ministry have chaired high-level meetings and advisories have already been issued for ramping up preparedness.

The Government of Chhattisgarh has also issued directives after the Central Government’s advisory to speed up administering preventive doses and testing for corona. Even in the airports in Chhattisgarh, it has been made mandatory to conduct RTPCR for International arrivals after the central government’s advisory. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has said that airlines’ crew members will have to bring such identified passengers to the testing facility at the airport. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has advised states and union territories to undertake a mock drill across all health facilities on December 27 to ensure the readiness of infrastructure with a specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics, and human resources. Many states have already said that they will be holding a mock drill on December 27. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has written to all states/UTs to ensure a functional and regular supply of medical oxygen for Covid-19 pandemic management.

As far as cases in Chhattisgarh are concerned on December 20, nil cases of the corona were reported. But in the subsequent days, few cases were reported in State.

In Capital Raipur, a mother and a daughter were reported positive for corona taking the number of active cases in the capital to 4. As a new variant of the coronavirus was reported the samples of the patient have been sent for genome sequencing. As per reports the mother and daughter had recently returned from a foreign trip. There are now seven cases as of Friday currently in State of which six cases are from Raipur alone but so far there is no confirmation of the new variant BF.7. The cases of infection are gradually showing a rise in State and this is what is concerning for the health department.

Looking into a possible spike in the cases Health Minister T S Singhdeo had convened a meeting of the department officials and instructed them to remain alert while taking up all measures to check any rampant spread of infection. He also instructed for readying the infrastructures like oxygen kit, vaccine, consumables, medicines etc.

In the previous time during the first and second waves of the coronavirus, Raipur, Korba, Rajnandgaon, Durg had all turned into a hot spots of infection. It is reported that about 14,146 people died in the state because of the infection. Looking into the previous alarming situation the state government has issued instructions to follow the covid protocol. Interestingly, masks and sanitisers have returned though a bit unwillingly to the government offices.

However, in the marketplaces and at other places of functions and celebrations the government guidelines are yet to reach. The medical experts are of the view that there is no need to panic and they have also advised people to take vaccines and the precautionary dose of the vaccine to keep away the infection.