From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jan 5: The Covid third wave with the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which has presently set in, may end in 5 to 6 weeks, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Wednesday.

Speaking after inaugurating the Covid vaccine drive for children in the age group of 15 to 18 years organized by the Chikkaballapur district administration in the Chikkaballapur Government Junior College on Wednesday, the minister said the Covid variant of Omicron is rapidly spreading especially in Bengaluru with 3,000 cases being reported in a single day on Tuesday and it was a matter of concern.

The high density of population and the arrival of large number of people from foreign countries as well as from other States could be one of the main reason for the high rate of infection in Bengaluru. In view of this, a separate Covid control guidelines have been released for Bengaluru and therefore schools and colleges have been declared a holiday, he said.

However, the Health Minister expressed optimism that the Covid third wave was likely to end in 5 to 6 weeks and pointed out that even the technical experts have made similar predictions. But under no circumstances, it is possible to take the situation lightly and it is necessary to be extremely careful. The Covid control protocols like compulsory wearing of masks, social distancing and sanitation must be strictly followed, he said.

“There can be no compromise on adhering to the Covid control measures,’’ he asserted.

The minister complimented the Chikkaballapur district administration for successfully launching the vaccination drive for children in the age group of 15-18 years and pointed out that Karnataka has vaccinated 3.5 lakh children on a single day on Tuesday.

Dr Sudhakar wanted the district administration to carry out the vaccination more vigorously covering all eligible children and even the adult population to achieve 100% vaccination of all eligible people.