Omicron Variant: Odisha issues new Covid guidelines
Omicron Variant: Odisha issues new Covid guidelines
admin
Bhubaneswar: Odisha's government has released new recommendations in light of the introduction of the new COVID strain Omicron.
"We need to be more watchful and aggressive to prevent a possible third wave," Chief Secretary Suresh Suresh Chandra Mohapatra said in a video call with district level officials from Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
Because schools and universities have reopened, economic activity has increased since the COVID lockdown was lifted, and all livelihood-related programmes have begun, district administrations should be more vigilant and expedite vaccines via house-to-house campaigns.
The Chief Secretary also instructed all block authorities, ward members, Anganwadi workers, and health professionals to acquire ground reports of COVID infection in their areas and to respond quickly if evidence of corona infections are identified.
He urged authorities to follow the COVID policy to the letter, including wearing masks, using hand sanitizers, and maintaining a safe social distance. He went on to say that if there are any infractions, they must be dealt with harshly.
Pradip Jena, the Development Commissioner, and Rajkumar Sharma, the ACS for Health and Family Welfare, both urged citizens to follow the guidelines and COVID-appropriate behaviour to aid the government in preventing a possible third wave.
Bijay Mohapatra, the state's health director, had previously emphasised the importance of thorough screening of international visitors to prevent the virus from entering the state.
Travelers arriving from other countries will be subjected to testing and genome sequencing. Passengers at the Biju Patnaik International Airport will be given special attention.
The Health Director also stated that community surveillance and awareness will be increased, as well as a request that people receive a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine when their turn comes.
People should be more cautious and adhere to COVID guidelines, he stressed.
The Centre urged state governments earlier this week to ensure that all international travellers arriving in India from places 'at risk' of COVID be thoroughly screened and tested.
On November 26, the state of Odisha put limitations on travellers arriving at Biju Patnaik International Airport from South Africa, Botswana, and Hong Kong.
Travelers will be required to take the COVID-19 test. The tourist may be forced to stay in isolation for up to ten days if required.
He stated that if one tourist is confirmed to be positive, the samples would be forwarded to be tested for the variation.
Omicron, a variety from South Africa, has 32 mutations, many of which indicate that it is highly transmissible and vaccine-resistant, and has the most changes to its spike protein of any variant.
