Meghalaya prepared to fight Omicron variant of COVID-19, assures health minister

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaDecember 12, 2021

As cases of Omicron variat of COVID-19 have emerged in a few states in the country, Health Minister James K Sangma on Saturday highlighted the importance of vaccines in tackling the pandemic and the state’s preparedness in tackling the new strain.

Sangma told journalists that the health department of Meghalaya is going for a vaccination drive with a “renewed vigor” to ensure increase in the vaccine cover not just for single doses but for both doses.

Furthermore, he stated that the state is fully prepared to fight the new strain.

“We hope that Omicron will not have that kind of an impact in Meghalaya but yet we are preparing for any kind of scenario that may emerge,” Sangma said.

Speaking about the measures put in place against the COVID-19 pandemic, the health minister said, “We are being very vigilant about Omicron and the possibility of it coming to the state of Meghalaya and we are taking precautions and all protocols in place are being enforced.”

He further added that the department is also monitoring the entry points so that any kind of spread from visitors coming into the state can be avoided.

When asked if the government is considering closing the entry points, the health minister said it is too early to comment on that.

“Depending on the situation as it unfolds, we as a government will take decisions on that,” he further added.

Regarding the status of the prefab structures for setting up of COVID-19 hospitals in the state, the health minister said that most of them are ready and those which are not, the department is expediting for their completion.