Following the direction of the State Health department, the management of Government Doon Medical College (GDMC) hospital has initiated RT-PCR testing for individuals concerning the new variant of Covid-19. Sharing this information, the deputy superintendent at GDMC hospital Dr Dhananjay Dobhal informed that the hospital management is fully prepared to tackle the situation posed by the new variant of Covid-19. In response to the advisory from the Health department, the GDMC hospital has allocated nine ICU beds and 10 general beds equipped with oxygen. Additionally, the paediatric and medicine departments have been instructed to supply a list of medications that can effectively combat the new variant. Further, the hospital has demanded a stock of long-expiry date medications to tackle this new challenge, he said.

He further informed that the microbiological department has been directed to provide Covid kits. Further, the hospital has initiated RT-PCR testing for individuals. Those who receive a positive result will undergo genome sequencing to detect the presence of the specified variant. Approximately 70 to 80 people have undergone RT-PCR testing so far, and all of them have tested negative.

Commenting about the precautions, Dobhal said, “To prevent the transmission of the new variant, people are advised to practice social distancing, wear masks and maintain personal hygiene. If individuals experience symptoms which include cough, chest pain or cold, they should promptly undergo testing.”

Talking to The Pioneer, senior physician Dr Pravin Panwar said, “The new variant is not as alarming as past variants of Covid-19. However, the recovery period may be longer compared to regular viral infections. Symptoms of the new variant include a runny nose, cold, cough, fever and headache. So, individuals experiencing these symptoms should undergo testing as soon as possible. Additionally, individuals with pre-existing condit