HYDERABAD: Telangana health authorities on Tuesday announced plans to tackle any possible Covid-19 third wave triggered by the Omicron variant.
During a high-level review meeting, health minister T Harish Rao said that 21 lakh home isolation kits would be made available as a precautionary measure. He also urged people to be vigilant keeping in mind how quickly the Omicron variant has spread in South Africa, where it was first identified, and now the UK. A special committee is also being formed to monitor Omicron spread around the globe.
Over 1,200 passengers have returned to Telangana over the last few weeks from the UK. Also, neighbouring Andhra Pradesh reported its first Omicron case on Sunday.
“The impact and the spread of the new variant both across the world and within our country should be constantly monitored. We want to be ready in all possible ways to face the threat of a third wave in the form of a new variant,” said the minister.
Harish Rao also instructed officials to keep 545 metric tonnes of oxygen facility ready. While 27,996 beds have already been equipped with oxygen supply, the same has to be done for another 25,826 beds as quickly as possible, he said. He also suggested that drug stocks be maintained in central dug stores.
“In addition to government efforts, people are also expected to fulfil their responsibilities by wearing masks and adhering to Covid norms such as physical distancing, hand hygiene and taking double vaccine doses. Vaccination in the state has been further accelerated. Everyone is advised to get two doses of the vaccine,” he said, asking health authorities to pay special attention on the second dose.
