Sunday, 27 June 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
The Health DG issues advisory to CMOs asking them to remain prepared for the new variant
Amid decrease in the intensity of the second wave of contagion of Covid-19, the state health department has sounded a caution about the delta plus variant of the virus in Uttarakhand. The delta plus variant has been dubbed as a new variant of concern by the health experts. Though no case of the new variant has been reported yet in the state, the director general (DG) of state health services, Dr Tripti Bahuguna has issued an advisory to all the chief medical officers (CMOs) about the new variant. In the letter the DG has asked the CMOs to make necessary preparation for prevention and control of the delta plus variant of the Covid-19. The DG said that the virus of Covid-19 is constantly changing its structure and the delta plus variant of the virus has been found in many states. She said that the new variant is characterised by increased transmissibility, stronger binding to the receptors of the lung cells and potential reduction in the monoclonal antibody response. The DG in her letter has emphasised that all the activities and practices of prevention of Covid-19 should continue. She said that patients with Covid-19 symptoms should be identified in time and the surveillance system should be strengthened. The DG said that the system of testing of the virus should be strengthened and the necessary facilities for treatment of Covid-19 patients in Covid hospitals ( DCH, DCHC, DCCC) should be ensured. She directed that the awareness campaigns on adoption of Covid-19 appropriate behaviour by the general public should be undertaken by the department.
It is worth mentioning here that the delta plus variant of Covid 19 has been dubbed as a new variant of concern by the health experts. A total of 51 cases in 12 states of the country have so far been detected.
