Team Herald
PANJIM: Goa is officially in the throes of the third wave of COVID-19. As State recorded sustain rise in Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in last one week, the Directorate of Health Services (DHS) has confirmed start of the third wave from December 28, thus warning public from attending any political gatherings or rallies so also close-door private events.
Amid celebration, the week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve saw a rise in active COVID-19 cases from 461 to 2,763 as on Tuesday, January 4. The infectivity rate on December 25 was 2.19 per cent and climbed to 26 per cent on January 3. It dropped to 13.89 per cent on January 4.
Since December 25 till today, the coastal State has logged 2,215 new cases, while seven patients succumbed to the infection. Also, 11 omicron positive patients were reported during the period, one of whom stands discharged.
Addressing media persons, Director DHS Dr Ira Almeida said that surge in cases indicative of third COVID-19 wave in Goa from December 28.
“There has been a sustained rise in COVID-19 cases in the previous week and doubling of cases prior to December 28. Hence, we have actually designated start of third wave from December 28,” she said adding that the wave has started to hit several States.
Almeida said that authorities are working to flatten the curve and hopeful that there will be no more waves.
Goa’s active case load which stood at 535 as on December 28 has touched 2,763 mark as on January 4.
Advising public to follow all COVID-19 protocols including social distancing and wearing of mask, Almeida appealed to everyone to avoid participating in the meetings or rallies called by political parties. “Also, close-door private events should be avoided as the situation could lead to super spreader,” she said.
With focus on to increasing testing, Almeida said that each and every patient visiting the government hospital will be tested for COVID-19-19.
Director said that the health authorities and facilities are fully geared up to tackle all the emergencies. So far, there are only 35 hospital admissions.
“Maximum people getting admitted are either non vaccinated or co-morbid condition like uncontrolled diabetes. Omicron is a mild symptom but it is spreading three times faster then delta variant,” she said.
The health authorities have made arrangement to around 4,000 beds for admissions, which will start with Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) and as per caseload, the district hospitals, ESI and sub-district hospitals will be opened.
“For now, we don’t want to suspend non-COVID-19 medical treatments. Hence, the facilities would be open up gradually, as per requirement,” she said.
