Omicron: Pradhan appeals not to panic

Bhubaneswar, Nov 29: With the detection of new Covid variant Omicron, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday appealed the people not to panic over the current Covid situation. In a video message, Pradhan requested the people to take vaccines and follow Covid guidelines including wearing masks and maintain social distancing.   There is no need to be panicked about the new variant or a possible 3rd wave. However, the citizens must be prepared and need to fight the virus with utter perseverance and determination, said the Union Minister. India has marked a new milestone by vaccinating over 122 crore citizens. However, out of them, only 44.1 crore people have been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile, about 4.3 crore people in Odisha have been vaccinated out of which only about 1.5 crore people have taken the second dose, said Pradhan. “I request everyone to make sure that they are fully vaccinated as the Indian government has provided free vaccines for everyone all over the country,” Pradhan added. Pradhan asked the states to put emphasis on tracing, testing, and treatment to avoid the 3rd wave. Pradhan also advised the state governments to tighten the COVID rules and regulations and keep an eye on the citizens with recent international travel history. “In order to avoid another lockdown, we will have to be more vigilant and alert about the new variant, Omicron, and need to fight the virus with patience and perseverance,” said the Union Minister.