Four Omicron suspects are asymptomatic, one symptomatic: Vishwajit Rane

Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Tuesday, December 7, said that four out of five persons from Russia and Georgia who are suspected to have Omicron variant are asymptomatic.

The only fifth patient is symptomatic but his condition is improving and off oxygen, the state health minister said.

"Out of the 5 suspected patients, 4 patients are asymptomatic, the 5th patient who is symptomatic is improving and off oxygen," Rane tweeted.

The five patients have been isolated in the state on suspicion that they might be carrying the Omicron variant infection. Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing and results are awaited.

The Health Minister also appealed to take precautionary measures and stick to SOPs. "The state government is very sensitive and alert and we don't want any situation... Goa is a tourism state and we need to see that protocols are strictly followed. I appeal to people to stick to SOPs," he said.

He also said that every international traveller coming from high-risk countries is being checked with testing facilities being enhanced at the airport.

Meanwhile, all the 245 passengers who arrived in the state from the UK during the day tested negative for coronavirus infection. As per Goa Airport, the 97th Vande Bharat Mission (VBM) flight arrived with 245 passengers on board from London-Heathrow on Tuesday morning.