Omicron Effect: How The National Capital – Delhi Is Preparing To Fight The New COVID-19 Strain

New Delhi: The number of cases of Covid’s fast-spreading strain, Omicron has crossed the 200-mark, according to the Union Health Ministry data as of Tuesday (December 21). Maharashtra and Delhi have reported the highest number of cases of the new variant – 54 each as per the official data.

National Capital – Delhi, which was among the worst hit in the second wave, clocked 107 cases on December 19 (Sunday), crossing the 100-mark after nearly six months. The rise in cases prompted authorities to hold a meeting to discuss the possible effects and steps to deal with the new COVID-19 variant – Omicron.

Also Read: Omicron Threat: AIIMS Chief Randeep Guleria Issues Warning, Says “Be Prepared For Any Eventuality”

Here’s what was discussed:

–  Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said all samples that test positive for the infection will now be sent for genome sequencing. Talking at the press conference, Mr Kejriwal added,

For the last few days, COVID-19 cases are increasing in the city. On Sunday, it was over 100. We don’t know what type of Covid cases these are, normal or the Omicron variant. So, to ascertain this we have now decided to send the samples of all positive cases for genome sequencing.

Also Read: Two Jabs Not Enough Against Omicron, Shows UK Study. Should India Look At Boosters? Experts Explain

– Arvind Kejriwal also urged the Centre to allow the administration of booster shots to the fully vaccinated city residents. He added,

About 99 per cent of our eligible population has received the first dose and about 70 per cent has been vaccinated with both doses. I request the central government to allow booster doses for all those who have been vaccinated with both doses. We have the infrastructure to administer booster doses. We can start with our healthcare workers and then vaccinate the rest of the population.

Also Read: Explained: How Quickly Does Omicron Spread & What Is The Severity Of The Disease?

– The Chief Minister appealed to people not to panic and wear masks as they are the most effective protection against the virus.

Highlighting the preparedness, Delhi is undertaking, Mr Kejriwal said that the home isolation system will be strengthened in the national capital as according to experts the Omicron variant only causes mild symptoms. He added,

We will strengthen the home isolation system as most cases will not require hospitalisation. There is no need to panic in view of the Omicron variant as we have made adequate arrangements in hospitals to deal with any outbreak.

He also said that the government has made adequate arrangements for hospital beds, oxygen, medicines and everything else that may be needed to combat the virus. He added, “We will not let the people of Delhi face any difficulty in their treatment.”

Also Read: Omicron In India: Avoid Unnecessary Travel, Gatherings, Advises The Central Government

According to the data and the official statement, the government has made the arrangements of 30,000 Covid beds and the government will be able to arrange 100 beds per ward on a two-week notice, which will take the total bed capacity in Delhi to over 64,000. Additionally, 6,800 ICU beds are being added in the arrangement and medicine stocks are currently being strengthened. The Delhi government has also issued a Covid helpline number — 1031 — to help patients with any problem and the helpline is operational 24×7.

With inputs from PTI

NDTV – Dettol have been working towards a clean and healthy India since 2014 via Banega Swachh India initiative, which is helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. The campaign aims to highlight the inter-dependency of humans and the environment, and of humans on one another with the focus on One Health, One Planet, One Future – Leaving No One Behind. It stresses on the need to take care of, and consider, everyone’s health in India – especially vulnerable communities – the LGBTQ population, indigenous people, India’s different tribes, ethnic and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, migrants, geographically remote populations, gender and sexual minorities. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign will continue to raise awareness on the same along with focussing on the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children, fight malnutrition, mental wellbeing, self care, science and health, adolescent health & gender awareness. Along with the health of people, the campaign has realised the need to also take care of the health of the eco-system. Our environment is fragile due to human activity,  that is not only over-exploiting available resources, but also generating immense pollution as a result of using and extracting those resources. The imbalance has also led to immense biodiversity loss that has caused one of the biggest threats to human survival – climate change. It has now been described as a “code red for humanity.” The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene. Banega Swasth India will also be taking forward the dream of Swasth Bharat, the campaign feels that only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and the country can become a Swasth or healthy India.