No Mu or Epsilon strain detected: Addl Director
2nd wave tapering off, says Dr Shasheekumar
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 16 2021:
Additional Director of Health Services Dr Khoirom Shasheekumar Mangang has stated that not a case of Mu and Epsilon strain of COVID-19 has been reported from the State.
Addressing a press briefing at the conference hall of State Ophthalmic Cell at Lamphelpat this evening, Dr Shasheekumar maintained that 80 percent of SARS-CoV2 samples which were sent for genomic sequencing were found to be of Delta variant.
He maintained that Epsilon and Mu variants of coronavirus which trigger serious illnesses are not even detected at international airports and shipyards of the country.
The Additional Director continued that the second wave of COVID- 19 in Manipur is in the concluding phase and added that the Covid infection rate has dropped considerably in the State.
Continuing that most of the Covid testing in Manipur is diagnostic testing, he maintained that the rate of mandatory and voluntary testing is still low.
The Additional Director further stated that detection of 50-150 cases from among 1 lakh people can be considered a safe level as per WHO and other experts.
Saying that he came across a large gathering of people for a ritual recently, the doctor cautioned that such an act could trigger COVID-19 spread.
However, if new strains of COVID-19 don't enter from outside the State, there is less likelihood for COVID-19 to spread in large scale as over 18 lakh people have been vaccinated against the disease, he opined and added that preparation is also underway to ramp up the vaccination drive.
Responding to a query from the media, he added that gathering is the major source of Covid spread (super spreader) .
"As a doctor, I don't recommend large scale gathering whether the SOPs for COVID are followed or not," he said.
Dr Shasheekumar also urged the political parties to always prioritize public health while holding any election related programme.
"It would be right for only the vaccinated people or those who are willing to go for Covid vaccination to attend election programmes," he pointed out.
State Immunisation Officer, Dr T Manihar said that the Government is preparing to amplify the COVID-19 vaccination drive in view of the impending State Assembly election.
Apart from flagging off Covid vaccination Express for Imphal West by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, project Swaraksha has also been introduced to intensify the vaccination drive, he added.