The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday issued revised guidelines for international arrivals amid surge in sub variant BF.7 Omicron in China.

The revised guidelines will come into effect from December 24.

The notice reads, “Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has issued ‘Guidelines for International Arrivals’ in context of COVID-19 pandemic and updated the same from time to time. The present guidelines are being revised in light of increasing trajectory of COVID-19 cases being noted in some countries across the world.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting to review the present covid-19 situation in the country, preparedness of health infrastructure and emergence of variants and their public health implications and cautioned against complacency.

"PM cautioned against complacency and advised strict vigil. He reiterated that COVID is not over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports," a PMO release said.

He advised states to audit COVID-specific facilities to ensure the operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators and human resources.

PM Modi directed officials to ramp up testing and also genomic sequencing efforts. States have been asked to share a larger number of samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (lGSLs) for genome sequencing on a daily basis.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times, especially in view of the upcoming festive season, including wearing masks in crowded public places.

PM Modi also urged that precautionary dose may be encouraged especially for vulnerable and elderly groups.