Tsunami of COVID cases likely; global 3rd wave has begun: Subramanian
CHENNAI: In the backdrop of the massive COVID case spike pan India, State Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Sunday said that a third wave, in all probability, has begun across the globe as a sudden tsunami of both Delta and Omicron infections are being witnessed. "Earlier this week, there were 600 cases and the numbers multiplied by three times at the end of the week," he said.
With several Omicron cases turning negative within days of treatment, the Minister said the government has planned to offer virtual treatment via home isolation to such patients. "As the number of Omicron cases continue to rise, if an affected person is asymptomatic and fully vaccinated, they can be allowed to isolate at home and will be monitored by a medical team. We will soon opt for telemedicine treatment too. A total of 1,000 beds have been made ready in Chennai and 2,000 more are being planned. Isolation centres are also being set up at some college hostels in the city," he added.
Inaugurating the 17th mega vaccination drive at a government vaccination site in Anna Nagar, Subramanian urged more number of people to get vaccinated. "In Chennai, 69 per cent are fully inoculated but more than five lakh people in the city are yet to get the first dose. So far, 8.39 crore doses have been administered across TN. At least 96 lakh people have not taken a single dose and 70 lakh have not taken their second dose," he added. Healthcare workers and other fronttline workers will also be given booster dose, the Minister said.
He said that the vaccination of children aged 15-18 years will begin in the State on Monday in collaboration with the State Education Department. "There are 33.20 lakh eligible children in the State and special camps will be organised to vaccinate them. Of four lakh engineering students, 44 per cent have taken the first dose and 12 per cent are fully inoculated," he said. A 24x7 emergency helpline- 044-25384520, 044-46122300 can be dialled in case of queries of emergency.
With several Omicron cases turning negative within days of treatment, the Minister said the government has planned to offer virtual treatment via home isolation to such patients