COVID-19 second wave creates scare, vaccines hold the key

Srinagar: The increase in COVID-19 cases across the country has once again created fear and anxiety among the people.
According to the experts the COVID cases are surging due to the virus getting mutated and people not following the COVID norms like maintaining social distance, wearing masks and using sanitizers. “Another big reason for the COVID reappearing could be that people are not willing to get themselves vaccinated. It’s unfortunate that the vaccines are getting wasted. It should not happen. People need to realize that herd immunity can be developed only after the people take the COVID jabs,” said a medico.
It’s in place to mention here that the countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 this year, while vaccination of frontline workers started from February 2.
The next phase of the vaccination commenced from March 1 for those who were over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specific comorbid conditions. Those over 45 years will be administered the vaccine from April 1 onwards, irrespective of comorbidities. “There are about 34 crore people above 45 years of age in the country,” said an official.
In Jammu and Kashmir COVID-19 cases are also witnessing a surge. This has sent the alarm bells ringing across the union territory. The administration has already sounded an alert and arrangements are being put in place to meet any eventuality. “We are monitoring the situation. The COVID norms are being enforced. Whosoever is found without a mask is being fined. Steps are being taken to avoid people from gathering at one place. The hospitals have been equipped to deal with any crisis like situation,” said an official.
He said, “The government has set up vaccination centers in every district and private hospitals too have been provided with the jabs to vaccinate the eligible people. The vaccines are safe and people should come forward to develop immunity against the COVID-19.”
A doctor said, “The arrival of the second wave of COVID-19 is no surprise. We have dealt with the first and the present wave can also be handled but people need to cooperate. They can’t just sit back and think that nothing will happen. The COVID-19 is very much there and we need to fight it out rather than giving it a chance to attack us.”
He said, “Getting vaccinated and following the COVID-19 sops is the only way out to defeat the pandemic.”

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