CAB, vaccination must to protect kids from Covid: Dr Rajo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 03 2021: With experts warning about possible impact on children in the third wave of Covid-19, following the Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and vaccination of all eligible population is a must to protect children from the contagion, said health director Dr K Rajo.

Addressing the weekly press conference of health directorate, Dr Rajo said that the second wave, which began from April this year, is in gradual declining trend today.

As of Thursday, the state had 3320 active cases and the highest active cases were recorded on July 28 this year at 10,922.So far, 1790 people have died.

May 19 recorded the highest single day fatality with 23 death cases.

Now, the fatality count has reduced to single digit.

Recovery rate is highest in four months with over 95 per cent.

As of Thursday, 1057 patients were in home isolation.

Over 12 lakh samples have been tested so far.

Admission rate in hospitals and CCC is also decreasing, he said.

Among the 1790 fatalities, 253 male and 102 female died in the first wave while 903 male and 532 female succumbed in the second wave.

Among the children from 0 to 15 years of age, two died in the first wave and four in the second wave and two of them had co-morbid conditions.

In 16-30 years age group, nine died in first wave and 31 in the second wave.

In 31-45 years group, 43 died in first wave and 205 in the second wave.

In 46-60 years group, 108 died in first wave and 402 in the second wave.

In 61-75 years group, 138 died in first wave and 519 in the second wave.

In 76-90 years group, 52 died in first wave and 237 in the second wave.

In 91 years and above group, three died in the first wave and 37 in the second wave.

Among the victims, 250 in first wave and 918 in the second wave had co-morbid conditions, he elaborated.

Informing that Covid infections among children are rarely severe unless there is co-morbid conditions, Dr Rajo said that following Covid appropriate behaviour and getting vaccinated by all eligible individuals is the only way to protect the children as well as adults from the contagion for the time being.

There are reports of the virus further mutating into new strains and variants.

Following CAB and vaccination can help in giving ample protection from the third wave.

The government has taken up necessary measures to face imminent third wave.

The 200-bedded Covid Hospital at Kyamgei would be inaugurated soon.

Besides, another 100 bedded Covid hospital is under construction in Kakching district.

The government is setting up oxygen plants to ensure there is no shortage of oxygen when the third wave hits the state, he added.

Since children are not eligible to get the Covid vaccine, it is up to the adult members of the family to protect children in their family and society, Dr Rajo iterated.

While urging all eligible individuals to get the vaccine shots, the director said that lactating and pregnant women can also get the vaccine.

It can provide some level of protection to their children.

Though children below 5 years of age are advised not to wear masks, they can wear one under strict supervision and guidance of their parents or guardians.

Considering the emerging situation, children should be taught to wear masks not only in public places but also in the home settings, he stressed.

Maintaining that whatever initiative that the government is taking up is for the safety of the public, he appealed to the general public to play their part in minimising the impact of third wave.

He urged all to not to be complacent and avoid crowding, gathering, sightseeing and vacation trips untilthe pandemic brought under complete control.

Comment