Omicron: Minister Veena George calls for extra vigil to prevent community spread, special vax drive on Saturdays and Sundays

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Minister Veena George has requested all to be extra vigilant to prevent community spread due to Omicron. "As Omicron has been confirmed in 107 people in the state so far, all must comply with quarantine conditions. Omicron has been confirmed in 52 people from low-risk countries and 41 people from high-risk countries. 14 people have contracted the disease through contact. Everyone should pay more attention. The situation would be assessed to decide whether more curbs are needed", she said.

"Those coming from low-risk countries should exercise self-monitoring. Do not visit public places or attend public functions. Social interference should be avoided. More samples are being sent for genetic testing to determine the spread of the disease. Genetic testing from low-risk countries has been increased from two percent to 20 percent. Sentinel surveillance is being carried out to find out if there is Omicron in the community. Thus two Omicron cases were found. However, those on their contact list were Covid negative", the minister said.

"A special vaccination drive will be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays for women above 18 years of age as the vaccine will be distributed to children from Monday. Those taking the second dose of the vaccine and those who are past the time to get the vaccine should make the most of this facility. From Monday, vaccination of children will be the priority. As the role of the vaccine in immunity against Omicron is big, everyone should get vaccinated as soon as possible. Vaccination of children between the ages of 15 and 18 years is also available at special vaccine distribution centres", she added.

"Meanwhile, the registration of children who do not have online registration facility will be completed through schools. This will be with the full support of the Department of Education. The Union Ministry of Health has directed that Covaxin be given to children. As part of this, five lakh doses of Covaxin will arrive in the state on Saturday. Vaccination of children will start from Monday. Special facilities for children will be provided at the existing vaccine distribution centres. In the state, more than 98 percent of people have received the first dose and 79 percent the second dose", the minister said.