Covid-19: Activate War Rooms, Emergency Operation Centres', Government Advices States, UTs On Omicron

On Tuesday, the Central government asked all states and Union territories to activate 'war rooms and emergency centres', amid the surge in Omicron cases in India. They said that the omicron variant of Coronavirus is three times more transmissible than the Delta variant. Since a few weeks, we are seeing an increase in Covid-19 omicron variant cases in the country. It has caused shutdowns and many travelling restrictions worldwide. Omicron strain is dominant because of its high transmissibility of infection. Read further to know more about government on omicron and their advisory for states, administrations and union territories.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to all states and Union territories, "Omicron is at least 3 times more transmissible than Delta. Hence, even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local as well as district levels." The union health secretary told state and Union territories to put strict restrictions if the number of cases or  new infections reaches 10 percent or higher in a week or if 40 per cent of oxygen or ICU beds get occupied. "Keeping in mind the higher transmissibility of Omicron, States/UTs (union territories) can take containment measures and restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan added.

Bhushan said, “Activate the War rooms/EOCs (Emergency Operation Centre) and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive action at the district/local level." In India, most of the Omicron variant cases are from Delhi and Maharashtra. The total tally has now crossed 200, and has put everyone in a worrisome position. Recently, the government had also released a state wise omicron cases list.

Also read: Worried About Omicron And Its Aftermaths? Here Are 8 Tips By Expert To Reduce COVID Risk

Takeaway points from governments advisory to the states:

Containment - In case of an increase in Covid cases, there should be an imposition of night curfew, control over large gatherings, less people in marriages and funerals, offices, industries, public transport etc.

Testing & surveillance - Testing according to ICMR and MoHFW guidelines, door to door positive case search, testing of all SARI/ILI and vulnerable/co-morbid people, making sure of more RT-PCR tests in total tests being conducted everyday.

Clinical management - Increase bed capacity, oxygen equipment, ambulances and be prepared in every medical need.

Vaccination - Make sure that there is a 100% coverage of left out first and second dose eligible public. The door-to-door vaccination campaign needs to be more efficient.

Covid appropriate behaviour - Without any panic, activate war rooms and EOCs. Follow Covid appropriate behaviour with social distancing, masks and handwashing.