Massive third wave on the cards if adequate measures are not taken against Omicron, says IMA

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has warned the country against the threat of new Coronavirus variant Omicron, saying that India may witness a massive third wave of COVID-19 if adequate measures are not taken to tackle Omicron.

“With the scientific evidence available and the experience noted in countries of origin like South Africa, Germany, Tanzania, etc. it is evident that the new virus Omicron will have high penetrability and will affect more people.  At this time when India is limbing back to normalcy, this is a great setback and concern.  If we are not taking adequate measures of preventing transmissibility, we may enter into a massive third wave,” said IMA in a press conference.

Amid the threat posed by Omicron, IMA urged the government to provide “additional” doses of Covid vaccine for healthcare, frontline workers and immunocompromised individuals.

Further, IMA observed that in most of the African Countries there is a sudden increase in children who are getting infected and being admitted to Intensive Care Units. In view of this, IMA appealed to all the schools and colleges to strictly adhere to the Covid protocols and ensure all the adults in the schools to be vaccinated properly. It also urged Govt to expedite the proposal for vaccination of children about 12 – 18 years at the earliest.

On looming travel ban, IMA said that it does not support the imposition of a travel ban, but the public must avoid, unnecessary travel especially pleasure tourism and social gatherings. “All our public transport systems including Air and Train should strictly adhere to the code of Covid protocol.”