In response to rising Covid-19 cases, including the detection of the new XFG variant, an RT-PCR test is now required for anyone meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Active cases have surpassed 7,000, with Kerala reporting the highest numbers.
Photo : ANI
An RT-PCR test has been made mandatory for everyone, including senior ministers, meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as active Covid-19 cases in the country crossed the 7,000 mark today, Times Now has learnt. The anti-terror outreach delegation that met the Prime Minister at his residence yesterday also underwent the RT-PCR test, sources said.
PM Modi’s party, the BJP, also arranged Covid RT-PCR test for MP, MLAs and other leaders of Delhi who are scheduled to meet PM today evening. These leaders were administered the tests in state party office, sources added.
There are 7,121 active Covid cases in the country so far, with Kerala – the most affected – reporting 2,223 infections.
About 163 cases of the newly emerging COVID-19 variant XFG have been detected in India so far, according to INSACOG data.
The recombinant XFG variant harbours four key spike mutations and has achieved rapid global spread following its initial detection in Canada, according to an article in The Lancet journal.
According to data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the XFG variant of the COVID-19-causing virus has been found in a total of 163 samples — highest (89) in Maharashtra, followed by Tamil Nadu (16), Kerala (15), Gujarat (11), and Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal (six each).
