Greater Noida (23/12/2021): With Omicron scare threatening all different countries and cases being detected in the district too, there is scare among residents about what the future holds. Indeed, to set the record straight and get more clarity about this new variant of the Covid-19 virus as well as how well we are prepared to fight it, Ten News spoke to Brig Dr RK Gupta, Director of GIMS Hospital, Greater Noida.
Dr Gupta addressed different issues concerning the virus and requested all citizens to not lower their guard and help thwart any upcoming wave of Covid-19.
Talking about the Omicron variant, he said, “Virus mutation is a natural process. After originating from South Africa, Omicron has spread in many countries around the globe. In India also it has now reached our state and district. As both Lucknow and Gautam Budhha Nagar districts recieve many visitors from foreign countries, the probability of patients being detected with Omicron is high.”
“As of now the positivity rate has increased in the district. However, the number of patients detecting with Omicron varient is still low. But this is no reason for us to lower our guards. Everyone should strictly follow all Covid-19 guidelines. Mask should be used at all times, hand sanitisation is must and we must maintain social distancing. Above all, vaccination is key to fighting Covid-19. Everyone who has not taken it yet or have to get double dose must ensure that they are fully vaccinated as per the vaccination schedule. People must proactively participate in vaccination drive. There is ample availability of vaccines and everyone must get it,” he added.
Outlining how well the district is prepared to fight any eventual spread of Omicron variant, the Director said, “We are completely prepared to fight any surge in number of Covid cases. However, we will like to appeal to all to follow Covid appropriate behaviours. As far as Omicron is concerned, it has high surface mutation and hence infectivity rate is also three to five times higher. But severity is low than delta variant and hospitalisation is also low. We are indeed completely prepared to fight Covid-19. We have ample number of isolation wards and medicines.”
He also appealed to the residents to stay vigilant and alert so that it’s spread can be checked well in time.
“My appeal to all residents of the country, specially Greater Noida is that we should be very careful to follow Covid appropriate behaviour. The spread rate of Omicron is very high and hence we must ensure that it doesn’t infects many people. Precaution is cure and the guidelines for it are same as all other variants of Covid-19. Vaccines are important and everyone must get it. For next two three months we should avoid stepping out unless very necessary, should keep mask on during all the time and practice social distancing. I’m sure with all such precautions we will be able to defeat the virus,” he concluded.
