With the number of Covid-19 cases rising across the country and the Omicron variant spreading quickly, state governments are taking drastic measures to keep the situation under control. Night curfews, among other restrictions, have been imposed in many states.
India on Saturday registered 162 new Omicron cases in India, taking the 1,432.
In a recent media interview, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan stated that imposing night curfews will not help curb the spread of Covid-19 infection, and that India must develop science-based policies.
“There is no science behind things like night curfews. Evidence-based measures must be taken. There is a long list of public health measures available “WHO Chief said.
“It’s natural to bring in some restrictions because entertainment venues are where these viruses spread the most” she added.
According to the WHO scientist, India is likely to see an increase in Omicron cases, and the virus will infect many more people. Some cities are just getting started.
“Vaccination protects against hospitalisation and death regardless of the covidvariant, Omicron or delta,” Swaminathan tweeted.
Meanwhile Dr Pradeep Vyas Additional Secretary Maharashtra also said that the way new cases are increasing, based on current trend it is expected that we will have about 2 lakh active covid cases by 3rd week of January, 2022 Separate instructions have been issued today about managing these numbers, in case some of them need hospitalization.
“We need to think rationally & scientifically. Whole genomic sequencing results show that still we have Delta variant in more than 70% cases. This figure will vary from District to District. USA, Europe & South Africa are experiencing lesser hospitalization rates compared to rapid increase in covid cases” Dr Vyas said.
There are studies to show that covid disease even in present wave has been severe in unvaccinated persons. Remember hospitalization of pediatric patients is at peak in USA, a subgroup which never had Covid vaccine cover.
Dr Vyas warned “Number of covid infections in third wave is going to be very huge. Even if 1% case fatality in presumed, we can still land up with 80,000 deaths, if there are 80 lakh covid cases in third wave, So do not be lulled by narrative that third covid wave / omicron wave is mild & not fatal. It is equally fatal for those who are not vaccinated & have comorbidities. So please improve vaccination coverage & save lives”.
On Saturday with 162 new cases India’s Omicron tally jumped to 1,432, from 1,270. A total of 488 persons have been recovered till date.
Following the rise in cases administrations are ramping up vaccination drives and testing in the country. On January 1 the registration process for vaccination of children age 15 to 18 began. The vaccination drive of children will begin from January 3.
India on Saturday reports 22,775 new cases of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the past 24 hours.
The Active caseload currently stands at 1,04,781. Recovery Rate of country stands at 98.32%. 8,949 recoveries were reported in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,42,75,312. 145.16cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive. The Daily positivity rate of country stands at 2.05%, while Weekly Positivity Rate (1.10%).
