Next Few Months Crucial: Senior Health Official

Telangana Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivas Rao today addressed the media regarding the ongoing pandemic, and used the opportunity to caution the people of the state.

Rao said, "The next three months will be extremely crucial in our fight against Covid-19. There is reason to believe that the second wave is likely to last till the end of June. I, therefore, appeal to the public to exercise restraint and self-discipline. Please only step out of your homes when it is absolutely necessary, and wear masks whenever you are outside. Also, remember to practice social distancing, wash your hands. Many were negligent during the first wave, and now the price of that carelessness is being paid by us during the second wave."

"While both the state and the union governments are implementing several measures to deal with the situation, and are working to amp up testing and vaccination, we need to all be careful. Reports suggest that the pandemic will see its peak in May till early June. Although Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao has been personally reviewing the public health situation at regular intervals, please ensure that you keep yourself safe," he added.

Pointing out that the upcoming month was the season of marriages and the time of various festivals, the official repeatedly highlighted the importance of avoiding any crowded congregations.

He also urged asymptomatic patients not to rush to get tests as the state's healthcare facilities were already under great stress.

"While we need to be alert, there is no benefit in panicking either. We are currently conducting tests for those exhibiting Covid-19 symptoms. Please visit healthcare institutions only if you have the symptoms. We have a total of 50,000 beds for critical Covid-19 patients across the state's hospitals. 85% of patients do not require hospitalisation. So, I would like to reiterate that people should approach hospitals only if the need truly arises.
As for the vaccination drive, 45 lakh people have already received the injections so far. None of these people suffered any side effects. It is now time for all those who are 18 and above to register their names for the program and get inoculated at the earliest."