“According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the third wave of Covid is likely to affect Odisha in February and take a peak by end of the month. It should be milder than the second wave due to a large-scale immunity present in the country now,” Mohapatra said.
Odisha witnessed delayed first and second wave of the deadly virus in comparison to other states, he added.
The State reported 156 new Covid-19 cases in last 24 hours. Out of 156 fresh cases, as many as 20 cases have been detected from 0-18 year age group, according to the State Health and Family Welfare Department.
Amid detection of new Covid variant Omicron in some foreign countries returnees, the State Government swung into action and asked all district collectors to remain prepared to tackle a possible third wave of Covid-19.
Health and Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi said that Covid-19 vaccination for about 25.53 lakh children between 15 and 18 years age group in the State will start from January 3, 2022.
As per Prime Minister's announcement, vaccination programmes for 15-18 years population, precaution doses for healthcare & frontline workers and above 60 years with comorbidities or other health problems will start in the State next month, Panigrahi said.
