Bhubaneswar: In order to prevent spread of Omicron variant of COVID-19, which has high potential of transmission, the Health department has advised the people to use three-layer or N-95 face mask.
Speaking to media persons on Friday, Director of Medical Education & Training (DMET) Dr Rama Raman Mohanty said the Omicron is five times more transmissible than the previous variants. Considering this, the people should use three-layer or N-95 mask instead of single-layer mask.
Stating that the Health department has directed the district collectors to take steps to prevent gathering at any place for any purpose, he said necessary action will be taken against those violating the direction.
On the government’s preparedness for surge in COVID cases, he said beds, ICUs, and ventilators in the hospitals have been kept in operational mode for the purpose.