HYDERABAD: Sounding out an alert, health authorities on Thursday said the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was spreading rapidly in Telangana and it was perhaps the beginning of the third wave.
Officials said while the next one month is crucial, Omicron numbers are expected to jump substantially in the next 2-3 weeks, especially with people travelling during the upcoming festive season.
With 67 Omicron cases so far, Telangana is placed fifth behind Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat and Rajasthan.
'Cannot send all samples for genome sequencing'
Omicron is spreading at the community level and now everyone is vulnerable. This could be the beginning of the third wave as the variant is spreading very fast," said Dr G Srinivasa Rao, director of public health.
Rao said: "We are seeing an increase in Covid-19 cases over the last three days. The third wave is inevitable. Our role is to issue an early warning." Highlighting the enormity of the problem, Rao said it is not possible to send every sample for genome sequencing and hinted that restrictions at airports and other entry points will not work. "Anyone with symptoms should go for a test and isolate himself," he added.
He further said that the state was well-prepared in the event of surge in cases with 60,000 oxygen beds, enhanced oxygen-producing capacity to 270 metric tonnes per day and the experience of handling two previous waves.
"Although this new variant is milder but 10 per cent of the cases are likely to require hospitalization and that could mean big numbers. The upcoming New Year and Sankranti celebrations are likely to result in a lot of movement among people and might cause the third wave," Rao added. He o assured that testing will be ramped up and that the precautionary dose will be given soon.
