The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is not to be taken lightly, Kerala Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday.
“Omicron is the more virulent strain of coronavirus spreads faster than other variants. Omicron spreads at a rate five to six times higher than Delta. It cannot be taken lightly,” she said.
“Kindly use N-95 masks or double masks in public places,” George said while adding that the public were wrong in discarding the Covid protocols like social distancing.
The minister also requested the public from avoiding hospital visits as much as possible.
“Kindly use he tele-medicine facilities like e-Sajeevani provided by the state government. Visit hospitals only if absolutely necessay,” the minister added.
1,508 health workers have been affected by the Covid-19. Precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of the disease.
Establishments must take due care to prevent the formation of Covid clusters.
The rumours that essential medicine including medicines for rabies are not available are false, the minister said.
COVID-19 infections in Kerala on Tuesday witnessed a steep rise as the state reported 28,481 new positive cases taking the infection count to 54,07,312.
Kerala reported 63 more cases of Omicron on Tuesday taking the total Omicron caseload in the state to 591. This includes 401 from low-risk countries and 101 from high-risk countries. Of the total cases, 70 contracted the virus through contact. There are 19 cases from other states.
