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Omicron Scare: This New Variant likely to bring COVID-19 Third Wave, says Rajesh Tope

This came a day after the state health department made a forecast that Maharashtra would see a large number of Omicron cases in January.

Omicron Scare: This New Variant likely to bring COVID-19 Third Wave, says Rajesh Tope
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Amid rising concerns over Omicron, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said that the new strain may be the reason behind the third wave of COVID-19 in the state.

This came a day after the state health department hinted that Maharashtra would see a large number of Omicron cases in January.

Meanwhile, it has come to light that Maharashtra did not record any fresh Omicron variant cases on Thursday, December 16. Therefore, officials, are not calling it the beginning of the next wave as of now.

While talking to HT, Tope said that looking at the experience in other countries, the third wave would be of Omicron. Delta variant was completely replaced, however, the exact numbers or how big the wave will be cannot be predicted now, but the cases are expected to go up in January and February.

Also Read: Amid Omicron concerns, Delta and its derivatives continue to be dominant in Mumbai

Even though the state anticipates a surge in cases, there is no immediate plan to introduce any curbs and a call will be taken in due course. To keep the transmission low, citizens need to ensure that the COVID-appropriate behaviour is followed and not just during the Christmas celebration and year-end festivities, but also otherwise, the minister added.

Tope further mentioned that the state is prepared to tackle the third wave. The state administration is prepared with the health infrastructure, including beds, medical oxygen supply, critical drugs, availability of doctors and frontline staff, etc.

So far the state has 32 confirmed cases of the new variant of concern.

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