Chennai, Dec 25 (BPNS)

Experts from the World Health Organisation including have warned the Tamil Nadu health department for the possibility of sudden spurt in Omicron cases and to prepare the health infrastructure for any sudden rise in cases.

The experts have warned the possibility of a hike in cases following inadequate vaccines and lack of Covid appropriate behaviour during the upcoming festival season.

Chief Scientist of World Health Organisation (WHO), Soumya Swaminathan in a review meeting with the Chief Minister, health minister, and health department officials virtually on Friday, said that the Omicron variant may not give time to prepare for health care providers.

Soumya Swaminathan, according to the state health department officials warned that the Omicron variant has a high transmission rate and it evades antibodies and immunity. The experts cautioned the government to be prepared with more beds, oxygen cylinders, drugs, and testing kits.

Health Secretary, J. Radhakrishnan called upon people to celebrate Christmas, New Year, and Pongal in a subdued manner with the possibility of the Omicron variant in mind.

He also said that people must try to have online darshans and virtual celebrations instead of physical visits to religious places.

State public health department will release education materials and media briefs to prevent misinformation.

However, the Tamil Nadu government will not impose any fresh restrictions due to the new Omicron variant and the existing curbs would continue will on December 31.

Meanwhile Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in an official statement called upon the people of the state to make use of the vaccination facilities through camps across the state.