"After the samples tested Omicron positive in our kit on Tuesday, we then carried out 'targeted sequencing', which confirmed the test results," an ICMR source told PTI. Dibrugarh University International Affairs Executive Officer Arinjit Hazarika said an M.Com student from Comoros recently returned from his country and tested positive for COVID-19. "His two roommates, hailing from Nigeria and Lesotho, in the international hostel also tested positive for COVID-19, and the trio was isolated in the hostel itself, which houses 22 foreign students," he said. The ICMR source said that the students from Comoros and Lesotho tested positive for Omicron in their kit. The development is significant as a minimum of 36 hours is required for targeted sequencing and 4-5 days for whole genome sequencing to detect the variant.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 29, 2021 15:58 UTC