Sudurpaschim State alert to possible risk of COVID-19 ‘Omicron’ variant
BAITADI: DEC. 2 – The Sudurpaschim State has launched preventive measures against the possible risk of the ‘Omicron’ variant of COVID-19.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has already warned that the new variant poses very high risk globally, declaring it as the ‘ variant of concern’.
The Sudurpaschim Health Directorate has said surveillance has been enhanced along with the Nepal-India border points in the State bearing in mind the high risk of COVID-19 latest strain classified as B.1.1.529.
“The risk from the new variant prevails high in the State as it shares the border with India,” the Directorate said.
If the new variant is spread in neighboring India, the Suduraschim falls under the greater risk of it and the health desk has been set up along the border points, it is said. Gaddachauki, Trinagar, Jhulaghat, and Pulghat remain as the major points along the Nepal-India border in the State and people’s movement via these points is relatively high than other entry points.
“It will take no time for the variant to spread in Nepal if it enters the country. So we have ensured COVID-19 test facility and vaccination along the borders,” said Directorate chief Dr. Gunaraj Awasthi.
During the first wave of COVID-19, the test coverage was escalated in the State and during the second wave, the oxygen supply system was boosted and the State is learned to have prepared to further respond to the new variant being based on its effects. “We are waiting for the direction from the federal line ministry (Ministry of Health and Population) to take measures ahead against the new variant of COVID-19,” said Awasthi.
He further explained that they have set a target to vaccinate all eligible citizens above 18 against COVID-19 by mid-December and declare the State a fully-vaccinated zone for COVID-19.
All eligible citizens here have been urged to take the jab against the disease with priority as the vaccine supply is sufficient.
The State Government has urged the public for the mandatory use of masks and hand sanitizer, the practice of physical distancing and regular handwashing with soap and water as preventive measures against the infection.
To date, 48,039 people have been confirmed to have been infected by COVID-19 in the State that comprises nine districts while 609 have succumbed to the virus. The WHO has advised Nepal to take high caution against the newly detected variant since its confirmation.
-RSS
