Four cases of BF.7 sub-variant of Omicron, which is driving the huge coronavirus surge in China, has been detected in India.
The cases had surfaced in Gujarat and Odisha.
The Union government has asked states to send samples of all coronavirus-positive cases to INSACOG genome sequencing labs. INSACOG is a forum under the Health Ministry to study and monitor various strains of coronavirus in India, which is mapped with all states and Union Territories.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a COVID-19 review meeting on Wednesday, where experts said there is a need for continued surveillance to keep a track of existing and emerging variants.
Random sample testing for coronavirus will be conducted at airports for international passengers arriving from China and other countries in view of the recent surge in cases in some parts of the world, official sources said on Wednesday.
