Omicron Variant of Covid-19 becomes a nightmare overnight

When the general public of the country was worried about the third wave of Covid-19 mutant virus, the Omicron variant said to be originated from South Africa has suddenly evolved into a nightmare overnight. Although only two cases and that too from those returning to the Silicon city Bengaluru have tested positive in the country, it's become successful in triggering the panic buttons in no time!

Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Health Ministry, Government of India declared officially about the first two cases reporting from Bengaluru. In fact, Bengaluru also holds the dubious distinction of reporting the first Covid-19 death in the country. Again, such fatality took place in the passing away of an elderly person returning from the Haj pilgrimage.

Mumbai reports Four cases: Four more people returning to Mumbai from South Africa tested positive on the same day. Though the pandemic is in its initial stage, it's sent enough shock waves across the nation. On the other hand, 373 people in 29 countries have tested for the latest mutated variant. As a precautionary measure, the Union Government has extended the ban on international flights but for special one's. RTPCR Tests at the airports to all those coming from abroad has become mandatory once again.

Both infected persons doctors: According to Gaurav Gupta, BBMP Commissioner: “Both the persons in the city who have tested positive for the Omicron variant mutant virus of Covid-19 are city-based doctors. However, both of them do not have the travel history of going abroad in the recent past. One doctor resides in Bommanahalli while the other doctor is based out of Basavanagudi. They had attended a conference held at a private hotel in the city from 19-21 November. Forty contacts have tested negative while the reports of three others are awaited”, he informed.

Five more cases in the city: Dr K Sudhakar, Health and Family Welfare Minister confirmed on Thursday evening that five more Omricron cases have been detected in the city. He informed the affected persons of having had both doses of vaccinations. He appealed to the people not to panic and heed to rumours in this regard.

Guidelines and opening up of Tourist sites' simultaneously: We all have suffered enough personally, socially and economically due to the onslaught of two earlier waves of Covid-19 mutated viruses. But, like the oft-repeated saying of Butrend Russel, "What we learn from history is we learn nothing from history"! On Wednesday, the state government announced a slew of measures as guidelines to address the possible situation arising from the new mutant virus. Interestingly, at the same time, it also threw open the tourist sites in the region to visitors along with an advisory to adhere to Covid-19 protocol!

Upsurge till January: Dr Prasanna Simha M, Prof. and Head of the Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery in the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research Bengaluru is of the opinion: “The Omicron variant is new so we need to see its spread and effects and how it unfolds. What do we know - the R-value ie ability to spread is around 1.9 whereas Delta is around 1.4 i.e. it is more transmissible…

Pandemic is not yet over: …From what limited reports that we are getting the disease do not seem to be more severe. However, this underscores the continued importance of vaccination, mask-wearing (covering mouth and nose and not just over chin) and social distancing.

Dr. Prasanna Simha

The pandemic is not yet over and as per previous data; we should have an upsurge until January if we do not maintain caution”, warns Dr Prasanna Simha M.

A lot of hype on the variants: However, Dr Kavery Nambisan from Kodagu district in Karnataka has a word of caution: “I will wait and watch. Right now it feels like a lot of hype over one of the many variants which have been around for a while. South Africa only highlighted its morphology after doing research. Let the rest of the world know and now there is panic. I will wait before I start worrying about it”, she concludes.

Dr Kavery Nambisan

What about Covid-19 norms: Ever since the Covid-19 invaded, health experts are reiterating every now and then that the only safe ploy to combat the dreaded deadly virus is to enhance the individual immunity level, apart from stringently following the safety measures. Whether the people will adapt to them or embrace the danger needs to be watched in the coming days.

-Manohar Yadavatti

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