AHMEDABAD: With two cases of Delta Plus variant already recorded in the state, the city and district administration have been directed to focus on contact tracing of confirmed cases and improve number of genome sequencing, said senior health department officials.
“Mutation in virus is a natural process and we have seen multiple variants since last March.
The new variant is said to have high infectivity and immune escape.
Thus, identifying potential cases and isolating them as soon as possible holds key to the prevention of third wave,” said a senior health department official.
For Ahmedabad city, the disease surveillance unit has been activated.
It analyzes data based on several parameters, identifies emerging hotspots, and guides teams to increase Covid testing and find potential patients based on symptoms.
Sources said that the officials have been asked to increase genome sequencing as the cases are very low.
Ahmedabad city was the epicentre for Covid spread in both the waves, and thus the authorities have focused on the areas with low vaccination numbers to improve the coverage.
Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, state education minister, on Saturday conducted meeting with Ahmedabad collector and other senior officers on preparedness for the third wave.
“The preparations are on to ensure there are adequate beds, ventilators, oxygen, medicines etc.
The pandemic is very much in control now with effective steps.
We have also launched ‘My village, Covid-free village’ campaign.
More oxygen plants will be activated for the possible third wave,” said Chudasama after the meeting.
Ahmedabad district collector Sandip Sangle said that preparations are being carried out based on the experience of past two waves.
“The focus is on exhaustive screening of children and youth.
Senior citizens will also be part of the preventive action,” he said.
“All registered frontline workers have received their first dose of vaccination, and 82% have got both.
Of those who are in the 45 years-plus category, 82% have got their first dose.
Efforts are on to improve coverage among the younger population,” said a health officer with district administration.