Maharashtra Chief Minister, Uddhav Thackeray, on Sunday, November 28, 2021, conducted a review meeting and instructed all divisional commissioners and collectors about the guidelines to be imposed keeping the new Omicron Covid variant in mind. Matters were discussed regarding situation, whereby directive has been issued to consider high alert. Extreme measures for COVID-19 would be implemented in the state if any concerns are raised.
Adding more, he said that a lockdown could be imposed if rules are not implemented. Appealing to the citizens, he said that the restrictions will have to be followed if another lockdown has to be avoided. Warning the officials, CM mentioned that the state has been successful in coping up with both the first and second COVID-19 wave, however, the challenge now is to tackle the spread of the new Omicron variant which, as per experts, has increased worries keeping the intensity in mind. Officials from respective civic bodies have also been asked to remain alert, careful, by not allowing the virus to spread under any circumstances.
Aspects like availability of medicine, oxygen supply, fire audit, etc. have to be checked immediately and a report has to be submitted regarding the same. Talking about citizen safety, CM said that the people will have to abide with the COVID appropriate behaviour by wearing masks, maintaining distance, using santisation, etc. This would be important as the wedding season is here and people will travel from different states and countries.
Instructing the district officers, CM also emphasized that the work needs to begin on war footing on an immediate basis. Several passengers have started visiting Mumbai by air, roads and rail, which could lead to many becoming the carriers of the virus. Since this poses great danger, it is important for the officials to begin monitoring and screening efficiently..
Meanwhile, officials in Thane recently identified a traveller from South Africa to have tested positive for COVID-19. The patient was tested in Dombivili and has been under quarantine. Samples have been sent to the labs to identify the variant, and if the new Omicron variant is detected, this will be reported as the first case with the new strain. As of now, he is under isolation at KDMC’s Art Gallery Isolation Centre and is said to have travelled to Mumbai from Delhi. He arrived in India on November 24, 2021.
On the other hand, WHO, on Sunday, November 28, released an update on the new variant. The statement said, “Researchers in South Africa and around the world are conducting studies to better understand many aspects of Omicron and will continue to share the findings of these studies as they become available.”
Adding more about patient safety, officials said, “The most effective steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus is to keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others; wear a well-fitting mask; open windows to improve ventilation; avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces; keep hands clean; cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue; and get vaccinated when it’s their turn.”
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