Meghalaya prepared to tackle any eventuality due to Omicron

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 21, 2021

The emergence of Omicron, which is a new variant of concern and has higher transmissibility than the Delta variant, has been a concern to many, considering the impact that other countries have witnessed. In view of this, the Health Department in consultation with the Medical Expert Committee (MEC) advises the following to the people of the State:

1. The public is advised not to panic as the State is prepared to tackle any eventuality arising from the new variant. Systems of testing and tracing have been put in place in this regard in coordination with Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad at Pasteur Institute Shillong. The Health infrastructure is also well equipped to tackle any eventualities.

2. It is also urged that all eligible individuals should take the vaccine, as data has proven that it is effective in reducing the severity of COVID infection.

3. It is reiterated that early testing and treatment is of utmost importance considering the biphasic nature of COVID-19 infection.

4. It is important to keep following the three non-negotiable COVID appropriate behaviour: (a) always wear a mask, (b) maintain physical distance at all times, and (c) wash/sanitize hands frequently,

Active community participation and behavioural change have been the key factors that helped Meghalaya to not only effectively contain the pandemic but also stand out in terms of pandemic management since 2020. And as the year comes to an end, we once again urge each and every one to continue to take collective responsibility, as has been done, thus far.

Therefore, this Festive Season, while thanking each and every resident of the State for their active cooperation, we invite them to continue to work together to tackle this situation. Because together, we can!

Sd/- Sampath Kumar
Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya
Health & Family Welfare Department