Outlining the government’s stand in the wake of the omicron threat, Director of Public Health (DPH) Dr G Srinivasa Rao said these measures came into effect immediately. However, he said that Omicron had not entered the state, but urged people to wear masks even indoors, to avoid the danger posed by the new type of anxiety.
‘Health officials may randomly check VAX certificates’
Our health workers will randomly ask for vaccination certificates in public places. We will come out with more recommendations depending on the situation,” said Dr Rao, adding that at least 25 lakh people in the state are yet to receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Unfortunately, 15 lakh (25 lakh) of these people are from Hyderabad, Rangareddy and Medchal Malkajgiri districts. Our health workers will convince them to get vaccinated at the earliest,” he told a press conference here.
Dr Rao said that due to the slight increase in cases in the last few days and fear of omicrons, the health department asked the police to impose fines on people seen without masks. “This rule is already in place. We will enforce it strictly from now on,” he warned.
Cautioning that the Omicron mutant had entered more than 20 countries in just four days, he said: “It may have entered (Telangana) anytime. Let’s be careful. Omicron is spreading six times faster than Delta. We must remember that Delta cases are still being reported in the state. It is better to wear a mask even inside the house.”
However, he said it was too early to tell whether the Omicron threat has increased to endemic levels. “But, if we don’t act responsibly, deceptive social media campaigns are going to be a big third wave in the coming months, which may be true as a result of our own wrongdoings.”
Srinivasa Rao advised people to be cautious while participating in huge gatherings and celebrations.
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