The health department has issued an alert to meet any challenge posed by a possible third wave of Covid-19 pandemic triggered by Omicron, a new variant of the virus. Threat posed by the new South African variant, Omicron, has prompted the district administration to put its machinery on alert again.

A district health official said: “ The situation is under control now but we all should strictly follow the Covid-19 guidelines, including wearing of masks, maintaining physical distancing and regular sanitisation. They should not let their guard down under any circumstances”.

East Singhbhum district administration has issued an order for activating all the Covid checkpoints as a precautionary measure. Magistrates would be deployed at the checkpoints in double shifts, said an administrative official. Magistrates would be deployed near the new Domuhani bridge, Sitaramdera Bus Terminus, Kharkai bridge, Adityapur toll bridge and exit gate of Tatanagar railway station.

He said the orders have been issued towards prevention and preparedness, considering the new variant is in circulation across the world. We have asked the centres to be equipped with trained staff and doctors. In an unfortunate situation of a spike in COVID number, we have to be all set to start these facilities at a short notice,” he said.

He further said that vaccination is the key to ending the pandemic, and officials have asked to complete the first dose of all beneficiaries on priority.

“There will be strict implementation of COVID-appropriate behaviour. We urge the citizens to follow the norms laid down and help the administration to end the pandemic,” he said.

The official said that the door-to-door vaccination campaign with an aim to complete 100 per cent coverage of at least the first dose has started.