127 Omicron cases detected till date: Dr Rajo
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 01 2022: Of the 3447 Covid samples that have undergone genome sequencing, result of 3031 samples have been received.

As of now, 127 omicron cases have been detected in the state, of which nine are international travellers.

All of them have recovered and discharged, Health director Dr K Rajo has informed.

Briefing the media at Medical Directorate, Lamphelpat here on Tuesday, Dr K Rajo said that the state has been experiencing the third wave of Covid-19 pandemic since mid-January.

At present, the positivity rate stands at around 20 percent, while the daily fatality rate is around 1-2 deaths, with the maximum being 5.So far, 15, 27,671 people have been tested in the state, of which 1,33,256 were confirmed positive.

The total positivity rate stands at around 8.7 percent and the recovery rate is around 95.5 per cent.

During the first wave, 355 deaths were reported, 1647 in the second wave and 44 in the third wave.

At present, there are 3894 active cases, he added.

Dr Rajo continued: "During the third wave, 3447 samples underwent genome sequencing and the results of 3031 samples have been received.

Around 85 samples tested positive for Omicron on January 31, putting the total Omicron positive cases in the state to 127.Presently, 187 international passengers are under surveillance, of which 9 tested positive for Omicron after taking the test on the eighth day of their arrival to the state.

"Among the 127 cases, one is from Bishnupur district, eight from Chandel, one from Churachandpur, 37 from Imphal East, 60 from Imphal West, two from Kakching, one from Noney, six from Senapati, eight from Thoubal and three from Ukhrul.

The rate of transmission of Omicron variant is high but the recovery rate is also swift.

However, the situation is different if there is any underlying co- morbidity.

The variant may be mild but poses a risk to those with low immunity.

"Of the 44 deaths reported in January, 43.9 per cent were unvaccinated.

The government is doing all it can to prevent any further spread of the pandemic.

However, the efforts are useless if the people do not follow the Covid Appropriate Behaviour," he remarked.

Dr Rajo then informed that the state currently has 3056 beds including in the ICUs.

In January alone, 300-400 cases were detected in one day, while around 2000 people are tested on daily basis.

The general bed occupancy rate in hospitals is around 30 per cent, while that of ICU beds is around 20 per cent.

Expressing concern over the low vaccination rate in the state, Dr Rajo said that although 50 per cent of people in the valley has been vaccinated, the rate in the hill districts in much lower.

As such, he urged the unvaccinated people to get inoculated at the earliest, while further urging those who are already vaccinated to get the booster doses to stay safe from the pandemic.

"Although there is no vaccine drive for children, parents/guardians should continue with the routine immunization of their children.

As the election draws near, people should give priority to getting vaccinated.

If anyone feels unwell, he/she should get tested immediately.

Additionally, those under home isolation must adhere to the Covid guidelines," he stressed.

Dr Rajo also urged those returning to the state to possess a negative RT PCR certificate instead of trying to enter the state with fake/forged certificates and cause further spread of the virus.

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