Open house: How can Chandigarh prevent possible third wave amid omicron threat?

We have to understand that Omicron is like a deadly enemy and we must fight individually like a soldier. We can not leave it to the Administration only. We have to use masks, wash hands frequently, avoid functions as well as crowded markets. Sending children to schools is highly risky. Even fully vaccinated persons cannot claim full immunity. It is our individual efforts which can save us. The only way to counter Omicron is keep your guard strong and take precautions.

Capt Amar Jeet, Kharar

QUESTION

With the Chandigarh MC set to go to the polls on December 24, what expectations do you have from your next representatives?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to openhouse@tribunemail.com

Expedite second dose vaccination

In view of the third wave fears and the Omicron variant threat, the Administration should expedite the second dose vaccination at the various health centres in the city. Private labs can also be roped in for administering second dose. Other usual measures such as the wearing of masks, social distancing and frequent washing of hands must be adhered to. The risk of virus spread is high amid the ongoing MC elections. The administration should take strict action against defaulters.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

Create awareness among public

It is surprising that there are still some people who have not come forward for their second dose of vaccine. Spread awareness on the Omicron effect on vaccinated and unvaccinated people and they will fall in line to follow the guidelines issued by the Administration.

Sapna Sharda, Chandigarh

Need to behave in a responsible manner

It is a matter of serious concern that residents of the tricity have become so complacent

towards Covid vaccination when the danger of a possible third wave is looming large everywhere. With a few cases of new Omicron variant surfacing, the possibility of a third wave cannot be ruled out. While the government has taken certain steps such as strengthening the health infrastructure, residents also need to behave in a responsible manner by following the guidelines relating to testing, treatment and vaccination.

Dr Dinesh Kumar Verma, Panchkula

Make vaccination compulsory

Persuasion/advisory to take both jabs has attained its desired results. Since the Omicron variant is reported to be more infectious, it is time taking jabs be made compulsory through enacting legislation and enforcing it strictly.

BS Dhillon, Mohali

Vaccinate people on their doorstep

Since most people are not coming forward to take their second dose, even weeks after the due date, the authorities must now become proactive and jab them at their doorstep. They are not only jeopardising their own safety by becoming soft targets for Omicron variant but also becoming a source of faster spread of this variant.

SC Luthra, Chandigarh

Guidelines should be followed sincerely

Despite Omicron becoming a cause of concern for the Health Department, vaccination is not being taken seriously by people. Strict action should be taken by the Administration. All visitors from abroad should be fully checked at airports. People should be motivated to take both doses. The authorities should force and advise the public to follow the guidelines issued by the Administration. People should avoid wandering out and taking part in gatherings.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

Don’t delay second dose of vaccination

There is no justification for not taking the second dose of vaccine particularly at this time when Omicron has caused a scare in India. Moreover, it is free of cost. By delaying the second dose, such persons can put themselves, their families and society at risk. The Administration can send text message to such beneficiaries as all mobile numbers are on record. Vaccine can be administered at home in deserving cases.

AK Jindal, Patiala

Sincere cooperation by public needed

The more infectious Omicron is already spreading. Guidelines such as maintaining social distancing, hygiene and wearing masks should followed properly. Unnecessary gatherings, rallies and processions should be banned. Cinema halls, gyms, pools be closed for sometime and vaccination stepped up. Stringent measures by the government and sincere cooperation by the public may help in containing the third wave.

Bubby Soin, Chandigarh

Vax proof must for availing of services

The UT Administration should make it compulsory for all who wish to avail of any public service to provide full vaccination proof. This will have a cascading effect on the vaccination drive. The Administration should also not provide free medical treatment or compensation to anybody who has not taken two doses of vaccine. Taxpayers’ money should not be wasted on those who avoid vaccination.

KC Rana, Chandigarh

Do not lower the guard against virus

It is true that people have started showing a casual attitude towards the Covid-19 norms. But in view of the possible the third wave as well as the Omicron threat, there is an urgency to not lower the guard with respect to the guidelines. People must take the two doses of vaccine. The Health Department, too, should go a step ahead and make arrangements for doorstep vaccination.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh

Be strict on second dose of vaccine

With the 3rd wave fears growing strong, any laxity at this stage will prove dangerous. I urge the authorities to be very strict on this issue and ensure that the second dose is taken by all. The authorities should arrange doorstep vaccination. Outsiders coming to the tricity should be asked to produce proof of full vaccination. Help of NGOs and other social organisations must be taken to ensure compliance on this issue.

Col TBS Bedi (retd), Mohali

Covid-appropriate behaviour a must

The new Omicron variant has posed a new threat to the entire nation. People should maintain social distancing and wear properly fitted masks all day long when they cannot maintain social distancing. People should make sure they maintain hygiene by washing and sanitising hands frequently and avoid crowded areas.

Aahana Soni, Chandigarh

Follow Covid-19 protocol strictly

People should follow the protocol strictly by properly wearing masks, keeping social distance and getting inoculated. Step out of home only when necessary. Offices and educational institutions should make a mandatory Covid-19 check at entry points to check the spread of the virus. Residents who have returned from abroad should isolate themselves, go for Covid-19 test and report to the government.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

Vax best tool to contain Omicron

Experts have warned the new variant can be more lethal that the earlier ones. It frightening to know that more than 2 lakh eligible beneficiaries are yet to be administered second dose. The only way to stay safe from the new variant is vaccination. People who had skipped their 2nd dose should come forward for full vaccination. The authorities concerned should persuade them. We have no choice but to learn to live with it. but we do have the option of safeguarding ourselves by adhering to the safety protocol.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

Put foreign returnees under isolation

The Central Government and the states must be strict when it comes to dealing with persons coming from abroad. They should be tested and quarantined at least for 14 days before going home. The Chandigarh Administration should chart out a programme and see to that all residents are fully vaccinated. It is imperative to take precautions sincerely and only then can we prevent the third wave.

MR Bhateja, Nayagaon

Avoid visiting eateries, maintain hygiene

People must keep taking necessary precautions to prevent the third Covid wave. It is best to avoid visiting restaurants. Always keep hand sanitiser with you whenever you go out. Get vaccinated and follow the guidelines issued by the government. Watch out for symptoms and you must know what to do if you experience them.

Anita K Tandon, Kharar

Vaccination is the best bet against omicron

Although the new variant is in its initial stage, it’s already shaking the whole world. We must take seriously the advice of South African scientists that this variant will dominate all earlier variants. Timely air travel curbs on countries affected by Omicron are necessary. High surveillance will be required like in Hong Kong and Israel, to identify and isolate travelers carrying the new strain. Vaccination continues to be the best bet. Narrowing down the 84-day Covishield gap should help.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

Prevention is better than cure

The Omicron variant is six times more infectious than the Delta strain. The new variant has 50 mutations overall with 32 mutations on the spike protein alone. Even fully vaccinated people have been infected with Omicron. The principle of “Prevention is better than cure” must be followed by each and everyone. Use sanitiser and soap, have good indoor ventilation, wear a mask, maintain social distance and avoid crowded places. The primary symptoms of this variant are fever, fatigue, scratchy throat etc.

Sood Amloh, Adish

Be responsible citizens, wear masks

The first and the foremost duty of all citizens not only in the tricity but also all over India should be to wear masks properly, wash hands frequently and keep surrounding clean. By bringing about a simple change in lifestyle, we can overcome any pandemic. As a responsible citizen, one should inform the respective authorities about the arrival of any guest or family member from abroad. Last but not least, one should avoid going to markets, malls, marriage palaces and large gatherings.

Savita Kuthiala, Chandigarh

Don’t think it’s just a hype

Everybody needs to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Gatherings should be avoided. Wear masks properly and maintain social distance. We have seen lakhs of people losing their lives to Covid. Don’t think it’s just a hype, it is ready to strike if we do not take precautions.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon Chandigarh

Covid-19 scare is still a reality

The emergence of Omicron has made us realise that the Covid-19 is still a reality. The constant mutation of the virus has baffled scientists as well as governments and we do not have much data to ascertain the lethality of the new variant. People should act responsibly and get their second dose at the earliest. Door-to-door vaccination should be started by the Administration. Health facilities should be ramped up. All of us should follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour. We have to remain vigilant and should not lower our guard.

Dr Anil Kumar Yadav, Chandigarh

Stick to corona protocol

The threat of Omicron is not being taken seriously by citizens. Door-to-door vaccination is the need of the hour. If necessary, help from political and religious leaders may be taken for creating awareness on vaccination. The corona protocol should be enforced strictly. Put a cap on the number of people at social and public celebrations.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Sharma

Launch drive for doorstep vaccination

As people are becoming complacent, the Administration must go for door-to-door vaccination. Create awareness, educate public on corona-appropriate behaviour and ensure that people are ready to get vaccinated.

Anju Mohan, Panchkula

Bar defaulters from contesting elections

The government should take action against defaulters especially government officials and political leaders who go out without mask. They should not be allowed to contest elections or come to office. The government can take the help of NGOs and the MC to administer second dose to beneficiaries.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

Full vaccination only way forward

The City Beautiful, like many other states of the country, has witnessed a gross vaccine complacency with more than two lakh beneficiaries yet to get their second dose. With the Omicron threat looming large, residents cannot afford to lower their guard. The possible third wave may strike in a big way. The government should motivate people to have the vaccine shot, sooner than later, apprising them of the far-reaching consequences of any complacency on their part. It can also rope in NGOs and sector welfare associations to spread awareness. There is a need to take strict action against those flouting the Covid protocol with impunity.

Ramesh K Dhiman, Chandigarh

Realise your responsibility

We do know the benefits of vaccination and still become complacent. There could be no sorry state of affairs than this. If we don’t want to take care of ourselves, then why would or should the Administration take the onus of vaccinating all? The Administration must continue with the vaccination drive to improve public health.

Garv Bhupesh, Panchkula

we must Shun careless attitude

Many people in the city have become complacent that coronavirus is no more now. They can be seen roaming without masks and or not wearing these properly. In order to keep the third wave at bay, precaution is the key. The police should constitute special teams to challan violators so that others learn a lesson. Restrictions on gatherings should also be imposed, not after the spread of Omicron, but well in advance as a precautionary measure.

Capt Jagdish Verma (retd), Chandigarh

Give incentives for vaccination on time

With Covid cases witnessing a decline, many people have become careless. The authorities should give incentives to those who have taken their vaccine doses on schedule. If someone has not taken his shot within five days of the due date, he or she should be reminded over the phone. If he or she does not come to the vaccine centre even then, the authorities should vaccinate the beneficiary at home. The offices should also check whether their employees are fully vaccinated on time.

Saikrit Gulati, Chandigarh

Administration needs to be geared up

The WHO advises that the most effective steps individuals can take to check the spread of Omicron are keep the physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, wear a mask, keep windows open to improve ventilation, avoid poorly ventilated spaces, keep hands clean and get vaccinated. The Administration needs to be geared up to face every eventuality.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

Don’t let voters sans vax proof enter booth

The danger of Covid is not yet over. We need not be complacent and lower the guard. Two doses are a must for everyone to safeguard against the viral infection. No voter should be allowed to enter a polling booth without having a valid proof of vaccination in the coming MC elections. Health teams should vaccinate eligible persons on doorstep and on refusal by anyone, the house should be marked as “confirmation zone”.

Sqn Ldr Manjit Singh Johar (retd), Chandigarh