Hyderabad, Dec 05: The present situation of Covid-19 infections prevalent in South Africa and other countries are giving clear indications that Telangana and other parts of the country too could witness a third wave of Covid infections driven by Omicron variant around middle of January, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao here on Sunday said.
“Covid infections in South Africa due to Omicron variant started gradually and then grew two times faster than Delta variant within days. In another day or two, in terms of transmissibility, Omicron became four times faster than Delta variant. Now, it has spread 16 times faster in South Africa. If the same exponential growth continues, we may witness a rise in Covid infections here probably somewhere near to January 15,” Dr Rao said.
Unlike the first and second waves, this time around, the health machinery and even the general public are far better prepared and informed about Covid-19. While State governments had imposed lockdowns and implemented other severe restrictions during the previous two Covid waves, this time around, there could not be any such severe restrictions or lockdowns, he pointed out.
“Initial indications are that despite being transmissible, Omicron induced Covid-19 could be mild. There is even a possibility that among the Indian population, Omicron might behave differently and a fresh surge may not take place at all. We should, however, be ready for the worst and prepare accordingly. This time around, I don’t see governments imposing strict lockdown,” he said.
Irrespective of whether a new surge will be mild or severe, vulnerable population will always at high-risk, he said.
“To protect vulnerable population, we have requested Union Health Ministry to introduce booster doses for frontline health and emergency workers and high risk groups, who were vaccinated about eight months ago. We are also prepared to vaccinate children, if the MOHFW gives green signal for vaccines for children,” Dr Rao said.
He acknowledged that it should not come as surprise for anybody, if an Omicron variant is reported in Telangana. “At present, Omicron variant is reported in over 30 countries and there are already five such cases in India. We should not be surprised if cases are reported in Telangana,” he said.
Dr Rao made it clear that it would take at least one more week to fully understand the severity, transmissibility and hospitalisation rate of Omicron variant. People must continue to take Covid appropriate behaviour like use of masks, physical distancing and getting vaccinated at the earliest. “At present, these are our best options,” Dr Rao added
Next Story :
Supreme Court Allows Caste Census, Dismisses PIL
Hyderabad, May 20: The Supreme Court on Wednesday upheld the Centre’s decision to conduct a caste census and dismissed a public interest litigation challenging caste enumeration in the national census process. Here To Join Us On WhatsApp A Bench headed by Chief Justice Justice Suryakant observed that the caste census falls within the domain of…
Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks Against Modi, Shah Trigger BJP Attack
Rahul Gandhi remarks against PM Modi and Amit Shah triggered a sharp political response from the BJP.
High Grade Marijuana Seized At Shamshabad Airport
Hyderabad, May 20 (Maxim News): A large quantity of high grade ganja was seized at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Shamshabad. Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials found ganja with two passengers who had arrived in Hyderabad from Bangkok. The accused looked suspicious to the DRI officials as soon as they got off the…
We Have Ended The KCR Family Rule: Bandi Sanjay
Hyderabad, May 20 (Maxim News) : Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar made interesting comments on the commitment and discipline of BJP workers . He made it clear that BJP workers will work adhering to the principles. He said that every worker working in BJP will take training and work. He said that they will work…
CM Revanth Key Instruction To The People Of Telangana
Hyderabad, May 20 (Maxim News): Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has been alerted about the intensity of the heat wave in Telangana. He has alerted the government machinery and the people of the state in view of the heat wave. Maximum temperatures are being recorded in many parts of the state. The Meteorological Department has also…
Now you can get latest stories from Indtoday on Telegram everyday. Click the link to subscribe. Click to follow Indtoday Facebook page and Twitter and on Instagram. For all the latest Hyderabad News updates
