Dr. Samiran Panda, the Head of Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), said on Tuesday that the Omicron variatnt of coronavirus is increasingly displacing the Delta variant in many states throughout the country.
Interview with Dr. Samiran Panda
In an interview with ANI, Dr. Panda stated, “In India, we are witnessing a shift in which Omicron is increasingly replacing Delta in several states, with population dispersion and people’s behaviour as influencing factors. As a result, we must assure COVID-appropriate behaviour.”
When asked if, based on the current trajectory of COVID cases, Delhi has reached its peak for the wave, the head of ICMR’s epidemiology indicated it is too early to draw any conclusions. “We should wait three to four weeks,” he said.
Seek medical attention if required
“The health teams in Delhi, Maharashtra, or any other state should make sure that the test results aren’t deteriorating. Those who are experiencing symptoms should be encouraged to seek medical attention “Added he.
“It’s important not to jump to the conclusion that the wave has ended. Any trend must be observed for three weeks before it can be recognised “Dr. Panda stated the following.
Adjustment to testing guidelines
According to a report by The NDTV, Dr Panda stated that the goal of the ICMR’s recent adjustment in testing guidelines is to manage the outbreak.
“The point I’m trying to make is that the pandemic we’re dealing with now is not the same as the one we’ll be dealing with in 2020 or 2021. As a result, as the nature of the epidemic has evolved, we must adapt our testing strategy as well as our pandemic management strategy “he stated
Comorbidities are a major concern
Dr. Panda further stated that the public should not worry and that those who have been hospitalized or requiring oxygen assistance are “in reality being treated for comorbidities such as cirrhosis or chronic kidney disease, among other things.”
He stated, “Associated comorbidities are killing them.”
In the last 24 hours, India reported 2,38,018 COVID cases, 310 deaths, and 1,57,421 recoveries, according to the Union Health Ministry.
So far, 8,891 Omicron instances have been discovered.
