Omicron: Keep check on int’l passengers

With the reports suggesting an increase in the footfall of foreign passengers at Srinagar airport after the commencement of international flights here, the threat of Omicron, a new Covid variant, is also looming large, thus putting the responsibility on the government to ensure that no passenger is left unchecked. The new variant of Covid has already put the government on toes. A series of measures have been taken by the government to ensure that the new variant is prevented from spreading in Kashmir. But, as the foreign passengers have started arriving at Srinagar international airport, the government should ensure that the travelers are properly checked and the samples being collected from them are verified thoroughly so that the threat of Omicron is kept at bay. There is a need to set up more kiosks along the highway to ensure that no traveler is left unchecked. The proper check will prevent the possible disastrous situation in the Valley and thus the government should direct the health department to gear up and ensure that the new variant is prevented from spreading in Kashmir. Besides, the government should intensify the checking squads in the markets across Kashmir to ensure that the Covid Appropriate Behavior (CAB) is followed in letter and spirit. Adherence to the Covid guidelines is must at this juncture so that situations like the previous are prevented. Therefore, the people should also play pivotal role and become the main stakeholder to prevent the Covid from spreading by adhering to Covid related guidelines in spirit.