Hyderabad: CCMB submits report on genome tests on UK returnees

Hyderabad: Genome sequencing reports of some of the positive tested UK returnees has been prepared by CCMB after examining and analysing the samples for the presence of the fast-spreading new variant of the coronavirus found in the UK. This data is understood to have been shared with the State and Central governments on Sunday.

However, authorities remained tight-lipped on the contents of the reports and if they could detect the new variant infection in any of the UK returnees, which could be big news as the new variant is spreading its wings to various other countries in the last few weeks.

The State health department has sent 7 positive tested samples to CCMB on Thursday, another nine on Friday, two more on Saturday and freshly another two on Sunday.

Authorities said that the genome sequencing process for a sample takes two to three days and it is likely the reports of first received samples was sent to concerned authorities by CCMB.

The union health ministry is collecting reports of infected UK returnees from various States as well and a statement on this issue is expected on Monday. It may be recalled that during initial days of coronavirus positive cases, the States shared data with New Delhi which made the announcement of positive cases registered in various states on daily basis. It looks like the Union health ministry is probably following the same procedure about cases relating to the new corona variant.

Meanwhile, another two UK returnees tested Covid-19 positive on Sunday taking the overall infected count so far to 20. Both hail from Medchal Malkajgiri district, which accounts for 8 infections so far followed by Hyderabad with four cases.

Meanwhile, health department authorities could trace whereabouts of thirty-odd returnees in the last 24 hours.

Still another 154 persons have to be traced. Director of Health, Dr G Srinivasa Rao said that 1216 persons returned from the UK or via the UK to Telangana from December 9 till date. Out of this corona tests were done on 970 of them.