Four weeks of extreme vigilance to combat spread of Covid

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is preparing more medical facilities in view of the increase in crowds and engagement in the wake of Onam, which could lead to the spread of Covid.

Meanwhile, central health experts have warned that a third wave could occur nationwide from October.

Health Minister Veena George has asked the people to be extra vigilant for the next four weeks to avoid the spread of the disease as much as possible. An emergency meeting of health officials will be convened today under the chairmanship of the minister to assess the situation and make preparations. It has been suggested that special care should be taken while operating government offices and other institutions from today after the Onam holiday.

Ventilation should be ensured in institutions and offices. Protection for adults and children should be ensured. Quarantine must be adhered to as one sick person can spread it to others in the home.

Everyone should be careful as the Delta variety has been found to spread even in those who have received two doses of the vaccine

The minister said the restrictions on businesses during Onam were relaxed to protect life and livelihoods as it was not possible to close all the time.

1. Existing facilities

(Medical College, General Hospitals, District Hospitals, Taluk Hospitals)

69198: Total beds

1425: ICU

982: Ventilator

6463: Beds with oxygen availability

Precautions:

These systems will be increased. ICUs in district and general hospitals will be connected online with medical colleges.

2. Preparations for children

490: Oxygen beds

158: High dependency unit beds

96: ICU

744: Total beds

3. Oxygen supply

500: In ton production units

80: Tons with KMSCL

290: tons in hospitals

870: Total reserves per ton

77: 33 units ready to produce extra tonnes

The first wave

(Until March 31, 2021)

1124584: Total patients

1094404: Recoveries

4621: Death

The second wave

(April 1, 2021 to date)

2703104: Total patients

2558604: Recoveries

14963: Death

Third wave

(Expected from October 2021)

400000: Patients who need to be treated simultaneously

The third wave by October, schools may open with caution

# The report submitted to the Prime Minister by the National Disaster Management Institute says that there will be a third wave of Covid in October and that the existing medical facilities will not be adequate.

# Genetically modified viruses outgrow the immunity acquired by being infected with the Covid and receiving vaccination

# It can be prevented only if 80 to 90 percent of people are immune

# Schools can be closed only in designated areas with cluster expansion and the rest can be reopened.

# Schools should be closed in areas where social outbreaks and deaths are reported.