Growing concern over the new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’, the Karnataka government on Saturday (November 27) swung into action. They decided to set up COVID-19 precautionary measures.

The Karnataka government also said that RT-PCR tests are mandatory for visitors from Maharashtra and Kerala. Passengers coming from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong have to undergo Covid testing at the airport. Those who will be tested positive are to be kept in isolation for 10 days.

The government also said that travelers from these countries who came to Karnataka in the last 15 days will have to undergo RT-PCR testing.

Meanwhile, two South African nationals tested positive for coronavirus at the Kempegowda International Airport. In Bengaluru, it created panic among the health authorities over the new Omicron variant. However, it was revealed that both the South African nationals have tested positive for the Delta variant.

PM Modi was briefed about the Covid-19 situation across the world, including the new Variant of Concern ‘Omicron’ along with its characteristics and the impact seen in various countries.

Amid rising concern about a new COVID-19 variant ‘Omicron’ first detected in South Africa, India also added several countries to the list from where travellers would need to follow additional measures on arrival in India, including post-arrival testing for infection.

It is learnt that Karnataka government has also decided to make second dose mandatory compulsory for those working in government offices, malls, hotels, cinema halls, zoos, swimming pools and libraries.