RT-PCR test can detect Omicron, Centre says amid new Covid variant scare

Amid mounting concerns over Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Centre has said that existing RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Covid tests can detect the Omicron infection.

Omicron, at this stage, does not escape detection from existing Covid tests, including the cheaper and faster antigen tests, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told states and UTs at a meeting on Tuesday.

The meeting was called to review preparations amid a global Omicron scare. The Centre has urged the states to scale up testing for early identification and management of cases.

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At the meeting, states were advised not to let their guard down, and they were reminded of the 'test, track, treat, and vaccinate' mantra '.

They were also advised to keep a strict lookout for and focus on emerging clusters and hotspots, as well as augment health infrastructure and home isolation, and widen vaccine coverage.

Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told Parliament on Tuesday that the new variant had not yet been seen in India.