Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is likely to announce new guidelines to check the spread of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 during New Year celebrations.
Following a high-level meeting to chalk out strategies to tackle the impending situation Director, Public Health, Niranjan Mishra told the media that collectors and municipal commissioners have been directed to put curbs on congregations/large gatherings and intensify surveillance. They have also been instructed to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries are administered two doses of vaccine.
“If needed, Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) may come up with new guidelines,” he said.
On Tuesday, the Union Health Secretary had written to Chief Secretaries to regulate large gatherings and curtail numbers in marriages/funerals.
Testing measures will also be intensified. “Samples of people testing positive in RT-PCR test and those with higher viral load will be sent for genome sequencing,” he said.
The Public Health Director further said educational institutions have been directed to immediately isolate students and staff with flu symptoms.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had appealed to people to stay alert.
“The new variant is spreading fast. Weak mask, follow the COVID protocol and do not step out of homes if there’s no emergency to reduce the chances of getting infected with the virus. We can and we will fight this wave with everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
Also Read: Omicron Scare In Odisha With Rising R-Value; Wear Mask, Follow COVID Protocol: CM
While the variant has infected over 200 in India, Odisha has so far seen two Omicron cases. The patients aged 41 and 43, belong to Jagatsingpur and Khurda districts.
Director, Health Services, Bijay Mohapatra said that the situation shouldn’t be taken lightly. “Surveillance, tracking and testing are underway. Community plays a vital role in reducing transmission. The Centre has directed all states and Union Territories to impose restrictions if the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) crosses 10% or occupancy of oxygen-supported ICU beds touches 40%,” he added.
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