Andhra Pradesh: South Africa Returnee Tests Positive For COVID-19 In Srikakulam Region

In the Srikakulam region of Andhra Pradesh, a South Africa returnee tested positive for the Wuhan virus (COVID-19) infection.

On the 8th of December, the Andhra Pradesh Health Authority confirmed a 51 year old South Africa returnee to be positive for COVID-19. The concerned officials collected his samples for genome sequencing, a test conducted to detect Omicron, the new variant of COVID-19 infection. The incident created tension among the residents of Santhabommali, Srikakulam.

Getting into the details, the COVID-19 positive person returned to Visakhapatnam from South Africa, 15 days ago. He traveled from South Africa via London. Reached Mumbai Airport where he was tested negative for COVID-19. Later, from Mumbai, the person traveled to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on the 23rd of November. He was under quarantine for 10-12 days and tested positive recently, on the 7th of December.

In addition, Adi Babu, the Tahsildar of Santabommali Mandal said, "The person came for his daughter’s marriage to be held on December 9. After testing positive today, we identified around 24 persons, including primary and secondary contacts, and sent them for tests. All are in home isolation now."

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh Health Department officials said that 24 people were identified as primary and secondary contacts of the infected persons. All the 24 people are under strict supervision of the District Health Medical Officer (DHMO) and other concerned officials.

Stay tuned for further updates.