New Delhi: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria issues a warning as Omicron cases in India and across the world increases. On Sunday, speaking with the reporters, Dr Guleria said that in view of rising COVID-19 cases in the United Kingdom, India too should be prepared for any eventuality. He added,
We should prepare and hope that things are not as bad as in the United Kingdom. We need more data on Omicron. Whenever there is a surge in cases in other parts of the world, we need to monitor it closely and be prepared for any eventuality. It is better to stay prepared than to get caught off-guard.
Also Read: Omicron In India: Avoid Unnecessary Travel, Gatherings, Advises The Central Government
Speaking with NDTV, Dr Guleria explained why Omicron is a cause of concern,
The B.1.1.529 is a variant of concern because it has the unique mutations. It has more than 50 mutations and 30 have occurred at the spike protein sight, which is a cause of concern. The spike protein is the protein against which antibodies are formed and which gives us the protection against the reinfections and serious infections for COVID-19. So, if we will have many mutations on that site then one is worried that will the immunity hold or will there be higher immune escape mechanism. And another worry is that this increases the chances of reinfections or getting infections even after vaccination has been done.
Also Read: Explained: How Quickly Does Omicron Spread & What Is The Severity Of The Disease?
A Look At How Omicron Is Affecting The World
On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) named the new COVID-19 variant B.1.1.529, which was detected in South Africa, as ‘Omicron’. The WHO classified Omicron as a ‘variant of concern’.
According to the latest update from WHO, the Omicron variant of coronavirus has spread to over 89 countries and the number of cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission. WHO in the recent update has said that Omicron is spreading rapidly in countries with high levels of population immunity, but it is unclear if this is due to the variant’s ability to evade immunity, its inherent increased transmissibility or a combination of both.
Also Read: India’s Omicron Patient #2 – A Bengaluru Doctor Shares His Experience
.According to the health ministry’s data as of Friday, the number of Omicron cases in India surpassed 150 in the country and these infections have been reported from 11 states and Union territories so far.
Also Read: Omicron Variant In India: How Can Airports Be Prevented From Becoming Covid Hotspots?
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.
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