COVID-19 Is Not Over, But We Are In Better Position: AIIMS Chief

TPI Staff December 30, 2021

65 2 minutes read

COVID19: AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria Urges People To Stay Alert During This Festive Season

Mumbai: In his new year message, AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria said that one should not panic about the rise in the number of COVID-19 cases across India but should be vigilant.

“Let me take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022. As we move forward, it is important for us to understand that the pandemic is not over, yet we are in a better position,” Dr Guleria said in a video message posted by AIIMS. Also Read: 7-Day Home Quarantine, RT-PCR Must For Passengers Arriving In Mumbai From UAE

“We have a large number of people who are vaccinated, still we are witnessing increasing cases. Therefore, it is very important for us to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour including wearing masks, physical distancing, and avoiding crowds so that we do not have a super spreader anywhere,” the AIIMS director said. Also Read: Biggest One-Day Jump In Omicron Cases In India As Tally Reaches 961

Dr Guleria said the current data shows that the Omicron variant is lighter and does not cause a significant drop in oxygen saturation, so the oxygen requirement may not be that high. Also Read: India Reports 13,154 New COVID-19 Cases In 24 Hours, 43% Higher Than Yesterday

Guleria also requested people not to waste oxygen cylinders and medicines, which happened earlier this year when the country was facing an oxygen crisis.

“We as a nation are now better prepared to manage any surge in the cases that may happen because of the possible new wave. So, I would like to reassure everyone that don’t panic but you have to be vigilant. Make sure that you don’t become a part of the chain of spreading the infection,” he added.

According to the Union ministry of health and family welfare, India reported 781 Omicron cases across 21 states and Union territories until Wednesday. Delhi accounts for the highest number of Omicron cases (283), followed by Maharashtra (167), Gujarat (73), Kerala (65), Telangana (62), Rajasthan (46), Karnataka (34), Tamil Nadu (34).

These states are followed by Haryana (12), West Bengal (11), Madhya Pradesh (9), Odisha (8), Andhra Pradesh (6), Uttarakhand (4), Chandigarh (3), Jammu and Kashmir (3), Uttar Pradesh (2), Goa (1), Himachal Pradesh (1), Ladakh (1) and Manipur (1).