Omicron May Not Give Time To Prepare: WHO Experts Warn Tamil Nadu Govt
Mumbai: Experts from World Health Organisation (WHO), including Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan, have warned the Tamil Nadu government against the possibility of a sudden spurt in Omicron cases, owing to inadequate vaccines and lack of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour during the festive season.
Swaminathan called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to say the Omicron version could not give healthcare providers time to prepare.
The WHO Chief Scientist, during the review meeting, which also included Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramaniam and other officials of the state health department, warned that the transmission rate of the COVID-19 omicron variant is high and protects against antibodies and immunity.
Experts have cautioned the state government to be ready with more beds, oxygen cylinders, medicines and testing kits amidst the omicron menace.
Accordingly, the state health department will issue education materials and media briefs to prevent misinformation.
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister in an official statement appealed to the people to make use of the vaccination facilities through the camps across the state.
Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J. Radhakrishnan has also urged people to celebrate Christmas, New Year and Pongal in a restrained manner.
He has advised that people should try online ‘darshan’ and virtual festivals instead of physical visits to religious places.
However, the state government has decided not to impose any new restrictions and the existing restrictions will continue till December 31.
Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.
