Omicron variant of the coronavirus, scientifically classified as the B.1.1.529, is spreading rapidly and setting alarm bells ringing. It is not the only worry. Overall covid-19 graph is rising.
While cases rise, Jammu and Kashmir lacks a coronavirus genome surveillance system and like other parts of India has already seen the damaging implications of its inadequacy. If the government knew a more transmissible and strong virus had taken hold, restrictions and increased testing could have been implemented in advance .
Taking steps early has been the most important pandemic mitigation strategies and the Governments across India have already learned this lesson the hard way.
The Chief Secretary of J&K had during the second wave directed the Health & Medical Education Department to install certified laboratories in J&K for genome sequencing of Covid samples for early detection of mutant virus strains. Progress on it is not known fully.
The virulence of the Omicron variant, declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a ‘variant of concern’, is proving to be a major cause of concern globally. It is the major reason behind the surge in Covid-19 cases in India presently. This variant is said to be highly transmissible.
People and government also need to be particularly sensitive to trends in outbreaks, and make sure there was no let-up in covid-19 appropriate behavior.
It is also imperative to ensure the multi-sectoral response based on test-track-treat besides vaccination to prevent subsequent spread of infection especially in the wake of mutant strains of the virus.
Presently, the number of infections is getting bigger and bigger every day. Unless the administration is prepared, this could take a huge toll on the healthcare infrastructure. The facilities at the hospitals still aren’t enough to take the brunt of an all-encompassing Omicron wave. Any further increase in the cases could trigger chaos. Here both people and the government must act fast. Hospitals could run short of beds and patients could once again scramble for oxygen cylinders, medicines and equipmenst like oxygen concentrators.
Before the situation comes to such a pass, there is a need for massive awareness and sensitization of the people about the unfolding grave situation.
Rightly also, the Lieutenant Governor and chief secretary has asked the department to undertake an extensive information Education & Communication (IEC) campaign to promote Covid appropriate behavior and healthy habits to contain the pandemic. The administration has started it but it should be quickened up.
