Omicron RF.5 detected in all 20 Covid positive samples sent from Tamil Nadu
Health officials in Tamil Nadu, India, have identified the Omicron RF.5 sub-lineage in all recent Covid-19 samples tested. Authorities emphasize that the variant is not virulent and advise the public to maintain basic hygiene rather than panic.
Why it matters
Monitoring viral evolution is essential for public health preparedness, though officials are working to prevent public alarm regarding mild variants.
CHENNAI: All 20 Covid-19 positive samples sent from the state for genome sequencing between January and May this year have turned out to be the Omicron RF.5 sub-lineage, the health department said. The officials, however, said the variant is not virulent and there is no reason to panic. Tamil Nadu currently has 15 active Covid-19 cases.“All the 20 samples tested at NIV, Pune, have turned out to be RF.5. It is not a virulent virus, so people do not have to panic,” said director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine Dr A Somasundaram. He asked the people to wash their hands regularly and wear a mask in crowded places if unwell.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in