Post reopening of schools and educational institutions in Odisha, the state is witnessing a rise in Covid-19 infections among students and staffers. Amid apprehensions of a possible third wave, the detection of new Covid variant Omicron in some parts of the world is a matter of serious concern.
As per the World Health Organization (WHO), Omicron is more contagious than the Delta variant and may even infect persons who are administered with double dose of vaccine. In view of this, the Odisha government has pulled up its socks and devising ways to tackle the menace and avoid a possible third wave.
The government has said it will monitor people coming from outside the country. On the other hand, the increasing cases among the students have posed a bigger challenge for the administration.
So far, infections have been reported from a medical college and some government aided schools in the state. The institutions where the cases have been detected were immediately shut down and declared micro-containment zones.
The steep rise in cases among students has also left the parents worried as they are concerned whether it is safe to send their wards to school and colleges.
Addressing the issue, the Mass Education Minister Samir Dash said that the district administrations are monitoring the events and appropriate action will be taken when needed.