Meghalaya: COVID complacency may trigger a third wave, says Hek
Meghalaya Health Minister Alexander Laloo Hek said the department is concerned about the inevitable third wave of COVID in the state, informing that the department has constituted committees of paediatricians, gynaecologists to monitor the third wave.
“We have to be prepared for the third wave. We have constituted committees to look into this and also have increased the COVID wards for paediatrics,” he told reporters.
Hek said that COVID cases will increase if the people are not disciplined and are complacent in following COVID protocols.
Speaking about the current situation, he said, “I am telling you it will increase till people are protected and are alert. Complacency will (lead to a) spike in the cases.”
The state government has extended the lockdown repeatedly in view of the surge in cases.
On the availability of beds, Hek said that the present situation is comfortable for the government because the recovery rate is high and the patients in the ‘D’ category have been cured.
It may be mentioned that the Health Minister has informed that the highly infectious COVID-19 Variant of Concern (VOC) has been detected in Meghalaya, and the threat of rapid spread is very high.
Vaccination programme
As for the vaccination programme, Hek assured that there will be no shortage of vaccines from June 21, the vaccines will be made available in all the states including Meghalaya.
He said, “There will not be any shortage of vaccines because we have already spoken to the Government of India. From June 21 onwards, the vaccine will be made available in all the states. We have the stock of vaccine which will be available for 5-6 days but in the meantime, the other stock of vaccines is coming from the Government of India.”
As for negative information on the vaccination, he maintained that medical experts have encouraged people to get themselves vaccinated.
“People always believe in rumours and in the rural areas people are scared to get vaccinated,” he said adding that people will not be allowed in the stadium without a vaccination certificate.
He said that people who spread rumours without scientific proof should be arrested under the Epidemic Act.
Hek also claimed that those who succumbed to the virus were not vaccinated.
(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)
TNT-The Northeast Today is now on WhatsApp. CLICK HERE to receive more updates on your phone.
ALSO WATCH:
