NICD ‘keeping close eye’ on India amid soaring Covid-19 numbers
The National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says it will keep an eye on Covid-19 developments in India.
This as the number of infections in India continues to soar.
According to AFP, infections in the country passed 20 million on Tuesday.
“The institution has tremendous empathy for the dire situation that is unfolding in India and would like to reassure the South African public that we are keeping a close eye on developments,” says Professsor Adrian Puren, the NICD’s acting executive director.
The NICD says the B.1.617 variant that is causing havoc in India has not been detected in South Africa.
The institution adds that any suspected cases will be investigated.
Head of the Division of Public Health Surveillance and Response, Dr Michelle Groome, says the institution will keep a close eye on travellers between South Africa and India.
“Testing of Covid-19 positive samples from travellers entering South Africa from India and their close contacts will be prioritised. This will enable us to detect the B.1.617 and any other variants in a timely manner.”
