China-returnee tests Covid positive in Agra; sample sent for genome sequencing

A 40-year-old man, who returned from China on Friday, tested positive for Covid in Agra on Sunday, said chief medical officer (CMO) Agra Dr AK Srivastava said. The sample has been sent to Lucknow for genome sequencing to know the variant.

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. This is the first Covid positive case reported since November 25 in the city and is the only active case here.

"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.

Meanwhile, testing has been stepped up at the Agra railway station, bus stands and airport following the Centre's guidelines to states amid a massive rise in Covid cases in China. Most hotels in Agra are packed ahead of the New Year celebrations.

As China and some other countries witness a surge in Covid cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday cautioned against complacency, called for a strict vigil and directed that the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports, be strengthened.

Health authorities in Agra have begun screening visitors at the Taj Mahal and other monuments in wake of the new Covid scare, focusing their efforts mainly on foreign tourists.

The Uttar Pradesh Health department's drive is part of its efforts to contain the new BF.7 sub-variant of the coronavirus' Omicron strain.

Mainly tourists from the US, China, Japan and Brazil and European countries are being screened and their samples collected at tourist sites, including the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Akbar's Tomb, news agency PTI reported.

Srivastava stressed the 'Trace, Test and Treat' policy to tackle the new variant. He also appealed to residents to wear masks and follow physical-distancing norms.