Booster dose, night curfew Is govt bracing for third wave
Posted 28 Dec 2021 | Source: News Trial

The announcement of booster dose for frontline workers and vaccination for those between the age group of 15 and 18 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the Chief Minister’s announcement of night curfew from December 28 should not be taken lightly.

Experts say that these announcements are a sign of something big or a great sign of precaution the citizens have to take. But they are also surprised that educational institutions continue to function, why not curb them?

Dr Srikanta J. T., Consultant - Pediatric Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru said, “Finally the day of reckoning for our children. The vaccination for adolescents will be rolled out from January 3. Even though we still do not have enough data on the efficacy of vaccines on children, it seems to be a safe bet. Moving forward, this should not only help mitigate the risk of infection but also the severity if any in all the age groups.”

Why schools still open?

Murali Mohan, a parent said, “Night curfew in respect to the New Year celebrations and other festivities are fine. What about schools? We have received messages from schools that from January 3 they are going to start hybrid model classes for my daughter who is in LKG. Is this fine? Are the Karnataka government politicians listening only to their higher-ups to direct them what to do? Aren’t we supposed to assess the situation here at Bengaluru and Karnataka first?

Has third wave started?

Dr K.N. Manohar, consultant at Manipal Hospital said, “On Friday, December 23 2021, 180 fresh cases were recorded with an increased positivity rate of 0.29 per cent. The daily cases count on Saturday jumped to 249 with an increased positivity rate of 0.43 per cent. This positivity rate is the highest since June 13 when 255 cases were logged with a positivity rate of 0.35 per cent.”

National scenario

India reported 7,189 fresh Covid cases and 387 deaths on 24 December 2021. The active cases stand at 77,516. The cases of Omicron in India have increased to 437. Mumbai reported 757 new Covid cases.

“It should be noted that Delhi and Mumbai remain front bearers of Covid Waves because of high international and national traffic,” added Dr Manohar.

Earlier during the second wave, Delhi reached its peak 15 days earlier than the rest of the regions.

India’s preparation

India has 18 lakh isolation beds, 5 lakh oxygen supported beds, 1.40 lakh ICU beds, 90,000 pediatric ICU & non-ICU beds. We have more than 3,000 working PSA oxygen plants, 4 lakh oxygen cylinders have been distributed throughout the nation. Booster dose As for booster dose for frontline workers, Dr Swati Rajagopal, Consultant - Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital said, “Medical professionals all across India have been awaiting this guideline. This is an important additional step to help fight the Omicron variant spread. As always mentioned, the vaccine is indicated to reduce the severity and complications of Covid 19 infection. We need to continue to be watchful - avoid unnecessary travel, avoid crowded areas, and wear masks. Of late, we have been lax on this count.”