Thiruvananthapuram : The state is currently confronting the third wave, which unlike the first and second caused massive spread at the outset itself, said Health Minister Veena George. Huge surges are triggered by Delta and Omicron variants. Majority of those infected by these variants do not lose smell o taste, hence one should pay greater vigil to know its manifestation, the minister said.
Omicron is five time more transmissive than Delta. Institutions must ensure there is no cluster formation within. 1508 health workers are currently Covid positive. There is guideline calling for greater vigil, the minister said.
One should avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital. There should be just one bystander per patient. 3107 ICUs are in place in govt hospitals and 7488 at private. There are 2293 ventilators in govt establishments and 2432 in private, the minister told reporters.
The pandemic should be fought without difference to political orientation. The Health Dept. issued prewarning before each phase. The propaganda of Omicron being mild is not true. There should be guard against Omicron rather than have a lax attitude of let it come and go. It is five or six times more infectious than delta. Drug shortage in state is baseless propaganda. Also antibody treatment is not effective against Omicron, the minister said.
