Representative image | Photo: PTI
Kollam: Two people who arrived at Kollam from Tamil Nadu on trains have tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19, thus spiking the chances for community spread in the state.
The Omicron variant was detected in two people who arrived in Guruvayur-Chennai-Egmore Express and Tirunelveli-Palakkad- Palaruvi Express. So far, only returnees from foreign countries and their families were found infected with Omicron variant.
It is not sure whether the duo got infected from the train. However, there is a high probability for other passengers on the trains to have contracted the virus. The health department cannot rule out the possibility of community spread at this point.
It is also a matter of concern that those arriving from low-risk countries are also testing positive for Omicron. The variant was detected in many people who arrived from countries including UAE and Qatar.
Two samples will be collected
Two samples will be collected from those suspected to have Omicron. If the first sample turns positive upon testing, the second sample will be sent for genome sequencing to confirm the presence of Omicron.
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