Agra: China-returnee tests COVID-19 positive, sample sent for genome sequencing

Meanwhile, his sample has been sent to Lucknow for genome sequencing.

The man working in China came to Agra on a leave and is asymptomatic at present and isolated at his house in Shahganj locality of Agra, reports Hindustan Times.

This is the first COVID-19 positive case reported in the city since Nov 25.

This is also the only active COVID-19 positive case in the city at present.

“Those who had been in contact with the man returning from China are being asked to get themselves tested for Covid,” said a health official in Agra told the newspaper.

As the Covid-19 cases are on a spike in China setting off an alarm, the Centre has asked states to hold mock drills at health facilities to ensure swift response if Covid cases in the country surge again.

The mock drill, which would be held on Tuesday, will focus on the availability of beds, human resources, logistics and the supply chain of medical oxygen.

The earlier spikes in Covid cases, particularly the second wave, had left the country's health infrastructure paralysed, leaving heart-rending scenes of patients struggling to breathe due to lack of medical oxygen and relatives running from pillar to post to find a hospital bed for their loved ones.

The Centre has asked the states and Union Territories to focus on reliable medical oxygen supply in its fresh guidelines for pandemic management amid a massive surge in Covid-19 cases in China.

The Ministry of Health noted on Saturday that Medical oxygen is an important and vital resource in all clinical settings, particularly during pandemic management, it is critical for saving lives of the Covid-19 patients,

“Even though the Covid cases in the country are low and not surging as of now, to face any challenges arising in the future, the operationalisation and maintenance of these medical infrastructures are of utmost importance,” said the advisory.