Doctors warn people against laxity as Covid cases rise in Bihar

PATNA: There has been gradual rise in Covid-19 cases in Bihar with nine new cases in the last 24 hours, taking the number of active cases to 46.
Health experts are attributing the rise in cases to laxity in adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour as well as increase in travel and tourism, social and religious gatherings.
Altogether 47,208 Covid tests were conducted in the state in the last 24 hours and nine tested positive, including 7 in Patna, 1 in Sitamarhi and 1 in East Champaran.
The number of active cases in the state are, however, dismal compared to 6,229 cases in Kerala and 3,532 in Maharashtra.
Patna district magistrate Chandrashekhar Singh has directed the civil surgeon to keep all the PSA oxygen generation plants and related equipment in working condition.
"Residents need not be afraid, but should to be alert about the spread of the new Covid-19 variant XBB 1.16. All preparations have been made by the district administration as per the government's guidelines," the DM said.
Health experts also caution people to remain alert with regard to spread of the virus. As per Dr Diwakar Tejaswi, a physician, the new variant XBB 1.16 is a sub-variant of the Omicron virus. "It has lately been causing mild infection, but is spreading rapidly. The variant has potential to escape vaccine immunity and can cause mild infection even to vaccinated people," he said.
He added: "Instead of completely preventing it, Covid-19 vaccines reduce the chances of developing severe infections."
"The virus is spreading quickly and may mutate and change its form. Therefore, it is important to stay alert and follow Covid appropriate behaviour such as wearing mask, maintaining social distancing and avoiding large gatherings," Dr Tejaswi said.
Dr Kabir Alam, another physician, urged people to get vaccinated at the earliest. "Vaccination is the key to preventing severe illness and reducing the spread of the virus. People who have not taken their precautionary booster doses should take it at the earliest to increase immunity," he said.
The rise in cases has also left residents worried. "We cannot afford another lockdown. We must all follow Covid appropriate behaviour and take all vaccine shots as soon as possible," said Divya Kumari, a student of St Joseph's Convent High School.
Inzamam Haider, a Phulwarisharif resident, said, "We need to take precautions to control the spread of the virus. It's high time that people realize the gravity of the situation and act responsibly."