UK strain of Covid found in state
JAIPUR: Health minister Raghu Sharma on Wednesday said the UK strain of Covid-19 has been found in the samples sent from Rajasthan for genome sequencing. The report was received two days back.
“We had sent samples for genome sequencing. In the samples, UK strain was found,” he said.
On direction by chief minister Ashok Gehlot, the officials have started the process to set up genome sequencing facilities at the SMS medical college in Jaipur. The facility will be developed soon, he said.
Sharma said the genome sequencing facility is there at 10 places in the country, which are under GOI and all states submit the samples there. “Once we know about the strain and other details, the line of treatment may be updated accordingly,” he said.
On the shortage of vaccines, he said there are around 20.9 million people in 45-plus age category. Including 10% wastage of vaccine, the state needs 40.5 million doses. Till date, the centre has provided 10.5 million doses.
“We require 70 million doses to vaccinate 18-plus population. We have ordered 30.7 million vaccines to Serum Institute of India, but if the supply is not made on time, how the vaccination will be done. Covaxin is expensive even then the state has ordered 250,000 vaccines to continue the inoculation drive,” he said. He said in the wake of third wave, which might affect children, the CM has directed to ensure centralized oxygen system through the pipeline in all children hospitals across the state. All hospitals will be made fully equipped.
Sharma said in Rajasthan, the number of active Covid-19 cases has reached 205,000, while 5,994 Covid-19 patients have died so far. The daily active cases are varying between 15,000-18,000, and the death figures is also fluctuating between 150-165, which is a serious concern. “The infection rate is above 8%, we are among top five states where active cases have crossed 200,000. The government is conducting door to door survey and distributing medicines - till date 600,000 ILI cases have been identified,” he said.