In the wake of rising cases of the new Covid-19 variant 'Omicron', Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced that a Genome sequencing lab that conducts test for the 'Omicron' variant will be established in Karnataka.

The government has already initiated action to establish a Genome Sequencing Lab in the state. Health Secretary has been instructed to look into the needs of procuring the necessary equipment and experts for the purpose, says Bommai. "All the districts have Covid-19 testing labs. Genome Sequencing needs expert systems and modern equipment. The spread of the new variant 'Omicron' has necessitated sending test samples in suspect cases for Omicron, to Genome Sequence testing in NCBS. Arrangements would be made to get the test reports quickly," Bommai said.