- Fully vaccinating the public will help blunting the impact of the next variants to come
- Even if OMICRON is less severe the sheer number of cases is a cause of concern
- RT-PCR Test very important even if RAT tests show negative with COVID symptoms
The Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the apex association of the country, to create awareness and understanding about the new variant Omicron the latest variant has organized a webinar on “Omicron Risk and Prevention” under its “Illness to Wellness” campaign.
The webinar was attended by, Shri Anil Rajput, Chairman ASSOCHAM CSR Council, Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Additional Director & HOD Department of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, Dr. Reshma Tewari, Chief, Critical Care & ICU, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, Dr. Kavita Tyagi, Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, and Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder and Director, Total Care Control, Delhi–NCR,
Initiating the webinar, Shri Anil Rajput, Chairman ASSOCHAM CSR Council said, “Omicron in India has become the predominant circulating strain resulting in an exponential rise in infections. India has fully vaccinated only 66% of the adult population and has just started inoculating children between 15 and 18 years. This along with a high number of people with underlying diseases and booster doses only for people above 60 years old are worrying factors as India faces its Omicron wave”.
“Thrust on vaccination, responsible behavior, constant vigil and the good old containment and surveillance strategy will remain fundamental to pandemic control,” he added.
Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, Additional Director & HOD Department of Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, said,
“omicron variant has 2 basic unique properties. One, It is the mildest form of COVID ever seen and the other, It is the most contagious form of COVID ever seen. The most important outcome from this uniqueness is that we should not be scared, do not panic, but do not lower the guard, because we never know when this strain will mutate to a dangerous variant, which can later be more severe.
Dr. Reshma Tewari, Chief, Critical Care & ICU, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, stated that
“The third wave of Covid 19 is seeing an exponential rise in the number of cases over the last 2 weeks after the first Omicron detection in Karnataka in early December. While the limited information and experience available so far about the new Omicron variant suggests largely mild disease or even asymptomatic infection, it is too early to comment on the same. Everyone must continue to exercise Covid Appropriate Behavior with appropriate use of masks, social distancing, and hand washing. Those, developing any symptoms or in the knowledge of exposure to a patient must quickly self-isolate while seeking medical advice.
The healthcare and other frontline workers have started getting the third precautionary vaccine dose and the 15-18 years of age group has also started to get vaccinated. Also, on the positive front, the healthcare infrastructure has seen improvement and ramping up in terms of Oxygen availability and bed availability. This coupled with the high seroprevalence and well-vaccinated population as well as the initial suggestion of a less virulent virus should see India through. The Indian Statistical Institute suggests a peak by late February and then a decline. Meanwhile, the need of the hour is responsible actions from ALL.”
Dr. Kavita Tyagi, Consultant, Department of Cardiology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi, said
“ People suffering from co-morbidities are at a higher risk and we need to keep track of the baseline condition of Heart, Lungs, and kidney, as these people are more at risk for getting seriously ill, thus keeping healthy at physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual levels, is a daily process.”
Dr. Rajesh Kesari, Founder, and Director, Total Care Control, Delhi–NCR, said,
Omicron Variant of COVID 19 has already spread its tentacles all over the world just in a period of fewer than 2 months. It was recognized as a variant of concern by WHO only on the 24th of November. By its virtue of being highly contagious it would spread faster, a significantly important group of population which is elderly, has other comorbid conditions like Heart Diseases, Diabetes, Kidney Disease, Asthma, COPD Those undergoing Cancer treatment may suffer and require hospitalization even though this disease is considered to be mild in nature. The encouraging fact is that a major part of the population has been vaccinated and the process of giving boosters and vaccination of children has been initiated.
The panelists were unanimous in their praise for ASSOCHAM for its initiative and in conclusion, they had discussed the possibility of severe cases rising up but also expressed that the situation this time is better than before as people are more prepared and most people are fully vaccinated, oxygen facilities for patients have also been arranged, with better availability of beds, but still, we must adhere to COVID appropriate behavior of distancing and sanitizing with doubling up of masks and keep a track of our blood sugar levels and oxygen levels and most of all not fall prey to rumors and keep taking precautions.
About ASSOCHAM:
ASSOCHAM initiated its endeavour of value creation for Indian industry in 1920. It was established by promoter Chambers, representing all regions of India. Having in its fold over 400 Chambers and Trade Associations and serving over 4.5 lakh members across India. ASSOCHAM has emerged as the fountainhead of Knowledge for Indian industry, which is all set to redefine the dynamics of growth and development in the Knowledge Based Economy. More information available on www.assocham.org
