There is much anticipation and hope for 2023. Sadly 2022, while not as bad as 2020 or 2021, has ended on a sombre note. No, not because we’ve been told “No DJ music” by the city administration but because there is news of a new COVID variant.

We were promised freedom with vaccines, but Coronavirus is spewing more variants. It is still mutating, surviving, and trying to beat our vaccines.

 Guess it’s living up to its name — Corona, meaning Crown, named after its Royal headgear-like structure. And like a ruthless King or Queen, the Coronavirus continues to rule us, dictating how we go about our lives and livelihoods. These past two COVID years have changed our lives, including our vocabulary.

 In pre-COVID times “Flattening the Curve” meant reducing belly fat, and “Super-Spreader” was the nosey aunty who spread rumours and gossip. Today, their usage is more commonly related to COVID.

 In pre-COVID times when someone asked us, “Will you Vax?”, especially ladies would not take kindly to that question as they looked at their arms and legs in embarrassment. But these days we know they’re asking if you are vaccinated.

 In fact, ‘Vax’ was voted as the word of 2021 by the company that publishes the Oxford English Dictionary. Rightly so, “Vax” is everywhere, from dating apps (Vax-4-Vax) to bureaucracy (Vax Pass).

 Since COVID, we’ve had an overload of terms that have rendered some of us dyslexic. We fear those words might come back.

 Remember when “Hydroxy-chloro-quine” was touted as the miracle cure, and people in an ecstatic state started pronouncing it as “Hydroxy-cloromint”, the mouth freshener? Words like Pandemic, Lockdown, Self-Quarantine, Social Distance, Asymptomatic and Comorbidity have become common parlance.

 Then we got into abbreviations like PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), RT-PCR Test (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) and even WFH (Work From Home).

 As people broke COVID guidelines, we got “Covidiot” (someone ignoring COVID guidelines). Soon we had “Maskhole” (This word is used on a person who does not wear a mask, it rhymes with a posterior orifice) and “Covideo Party” (online parties via Zoom or Skype).

 Soon the corporates gave us “Blursday” (unspecified day because of the lockdown’s disorientating effect on time) and “Zoom-bombing” (hijacking a Zoom video call).

 As the lockdown continued, there was “COVIDivorce” (marriages broken during a pandemic), “Zumping” (dumping someone over a zoom call) and “Colonials” (sounds like Millennials, these are children born during the pandemic).

 Then as news of vaccines began pouring in, posh people started dropping words like “Efficacy” and “Profilactic.” Soon people started getting creative and gave us a portmanteau for the pandemic — “Coronageddon” (Corona + Armageddon).

 As the roll-out of vaccines began, we started discussing the types of vaccines. Every other gathering had one ‘VP’ – Vax Pandit. A know-it-all about vaccines who also wants others to know that he knows it all.

 We all have been held hostage by such VPs who explain all about Inactivated vaccines, Live-attenuated vaccines, Viral vector vaccines and Subunit vaccines. Now they’ve started explaining about Nasal vaccines.

 Thankfully, there won’t be any “vaccine snobbery” this year. Earlier, as the vaccinations began, there was a slight undercurrent of “vaccine snobbery” going around. It was like the aftermath of a boozy New Year party when one would ask the other, what did you drink? If you said Chivas Regal Whiskey, they move on. But if you say I had “arrack”, the questions start — did you have a nasty hangover? Is it safe? And are you okay?

 Similarly, if you said you had Covishield or Covaxin, they’d ask if you had any side effects, and the conversation moved on. But if you answered Sputnik, you were done for. Now they will claim their fears were correct because there is a COVID surge in China which means Sputnik was ineffective. To put it in COVID vocabulary, its “efficacy” was poor.

 Of course, if you said you had the Pfizer vaccine, you’re like the guy who had consumed the expensive Jonny Walker Blue Label whiskey.

 Like in 2022, in 2023 also, we will hear conversations about “variants” as mutations continue. We will listen to words like Variant Being Monitored (VBM), Variant of Interest (VoI), Variant of Concern (VoC) and Variant of High Consequence (VoHC).

  We have already heard of numerous mutations like Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Epsilon, Eta, Iota, Kappa, Mu and Zeta, categorised under “variables being monitored”. At the same time, Omicron is active and spreading and is under variants of interest, concern and consequence.

 So far, in India, it has not had any significant effect.

 As the days go by, we will hear a lot about 3rd round of boosters — Do we get it, and how many days after the second dose do we get it? Can we mix and match vaccines? How often will we need boosters? Etc.

 So, as we step into the New Year, we do so with caution and worries — Will school shut again? Will we still have to pay school fees? Will the economy take a hit? Will my spouse start working from home again and if by next year my hands would have consumed more alcohol than my mouth?

 But let’s remember we are better off today than we were in 2020, 2021 and 2022. So, let’s be optimistic, grateful, mindful, cheerful and careful as we step into the New Year – 2023.

 Also, as we head into election year, let’s pray we don’t get a COVID government — a hung verdict that will lead to more ‘MLA variants’ than Omicron sending our State into an administrative ventilator.

 Dear Readers, I wish you all a healthy and joyous year ahead. Thank you for reading what I write, and I hope I have done my job of entertaining, informing and evoking a moment of introspection or a smile in you with my banter.

e-mail: vikram@starofmysore.com

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Mysore/Mysuru: Following a directive from the Union Health Ministry to ascertain preparedness in case of a resurgence in Coronavirus cases, two hospitals in Mysuru conducted a mock drill yesterday.

A global surge in Coronavirus cases, particularly in China, provoked authorities to assess the preparedness and to evaluate COVID hospitals. The drill was conducted at the Trauma Care Centre and Princess Krishnajammanni Super-Speciality Hospital on the PKTB campus on KRS Road.

During the killer second wave, these two hospitals treated patients along with the dedicated COVID Hospital on KRS Road (now District Hospital). It may be recalled here that Trauma Care Centre and the Super-Speciality Hospital were readied during the second wave with assistance from private hospitals, donors and philanthropists. Several mega industries too contributed under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds.

Yesterday, a team led by Mysore Medical College and Research Institute (MMC&RI) Dean and Director Dr. K.R. Dakshayani visited the hospitals taking stock of bed availability, supplies of medicines and equipment like ventilators and reviewed human resources.

COVID infrastructure

“It is important that the entire COVID infrastructure in terms of equipment, processes and human resources are at a state of operational readiness. We are prepared to combat the pandemic in case of any surge in numbers. Our staff too are geared up to handle the situation”, she told reporters.

The focus of the exercise was largely to derive a geographically representative availability of health facilities such as bed capacity, including isolation beds, oxygen-supported isolation beds, ICU beds and ventilator-supported beds.

Also tested was the availability of human resources — doctors, nurses, paramedics, AYUSH doctors and other frontline workers — and medical oxygen supplies, including oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, PSA (pressure swing action) plants, liquid medical oxygen storage tanks, and medical gas pipeline system.

Oxygen supply/availability

As part of the mock drill, the oxygen supply situation too was assessed. The K.R. Hospital has a 13 KL Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) plant while the Trauma Care Centre and the PKTB Sanatorium campus have 13 KL and 6 KL liquid oxygen plants.

There is also a PSA plant with jumbo oxygen cylinders for use in emergencies. Mysuru has become self-reliant in oxygen production now with the establishment of oxygen-generation plants. Earlier, the district entirely depended on cylinders supplied from other districts.

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• Vaccinating children a priority
• Covid-appropriate behaviour must in public places

New Delhi: Amid surging Coronavirus cases in Delhi and some other States, Prime Minister Narendra Modi this noon interacted with Chief Ministers of all the States to review the COVID-19 situation.

PM Modi warned that the “Covid challenge” has not yet been surpassed. “Despite managing the Covid crisis well as compared to other countries, we can see an uptick in cases in some States now. We have to stay alert,” Modi said.

He added that administering vaccine to every eligible child at the earliest is our priority, while stressing the need to ensure COVID-appropriate behaviour in public places.

The review meeting was attended by several Chief Ministers including Karnataka’s Basavaraj Bommai, West Bengal’s Mamata Banerjee, Chhattisgarh’s Bhupesh Baghel and Punjab’s Bhagwant Mann.

India reported 2,927 new Coronavirus cases — up from the previous day’s 2,483 — in the last 24 hours as of 8 am today, according to the Union Health Ministry. The active cases in India climbed to 16,279 from 15,636. The country also reported 32 deaths in the last 24 hours.

96% of adult population vaccinated

It’s a matter of pride for every citizen that 96% of our adult population has been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine and 85% of the eligible population above 15 years of age inoculated with the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine, he said.

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on Tuesday granted emergency use authorisation to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for the age group 6-12 years and Corbevax for 5-12 years. Zydus Cadila’s two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, meanwhile, has been approved for the 12 years and above population.

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Out of 1,800 tests conducted last week, 9 persons test positive

Mysore/Mysuru: Following experts predicting COVID 4th wave from the month of June, the Mysuru District Administration has intensified RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) in the district.

The officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department, based on the experience from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd COVID waves, are taking all steps to prevent the deadly virus attack. RT-PCR and RAT are being conducted at the District COVID Hospital, K.R. Hospital and Taluk Hospitals while a few private hospitals too are conducting tests on their in-patients suffering from respiratory and lung disorders, according to District Health Officer (DHO) Dr. K.H. Prasad.

The DHO said that in the last one week, 1,800 people were tested, out of which 9 persons tested positive. These nine persons had come from Delhi, Mumbai and other States, the DHO said and added that 200 to 250 COVID tests are being conducted daily in the district.

Pointing out that those who test positive for COVID would be admitted to Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) COVID Care Centre (CCC) near Mandakalli and at CCCs in all taluks for treatment, for which necessary facilities have been provided, the DHO said that there were a total of 15 oxygen plants including the ones at K.R. Hospital, Cheluvamba Hospital, District Hospital, Seth Mohandas Tulsidas (SMT) Hospital, ESI Hospital, H.D. Kote and Nanjangud Hospitals. These oxygen generating plants are switched on daily to monitor its functioning.

Stating that General Beds, Oxygen Beds, ICUs with ventilators have been kept ready, Dr. Prasad said that Tele ICU Ward has been established at Nanjangud and K.R. Hospital doctors are assisting the health team through video-conference.

Doctors, para-medical staff, D-Group employees, technicians and other staff are prepared to tackle the possible 4th wave for which necessary medicines, laboratories, diagnostic equipment have been readied, the DHO said adding that the COVID 4th wave could be prevented only if public join hands with Health Department by following COVID safety measures.

The District Administration is prepared to tackle the 4th wave and the health officials concerned have inspected all Government Hospitals to get first-hand information about facilities available there to treat COVID patients.

COVID vaccination is being administered daily. Booster dose is being given to those above 60 years and health workers at Government Hospitals while other beneficiaries can take the booster dose at selected private hospitals at a nominal cost. Wear face mask, use hand sanitiser and maintain social distancing even if you are vaccinated. —Dr. K.H. Prasad, District Health Officer

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Mysuru reports 6 new COVID-19 positive cases, 13 discharges and 0 deaths today.

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Booster dose for seniors with comorbidities from Jan. 10

New  Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced yesterday that teenagers in the 15-18 age group would be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination and frontline & health workers and senior citizens above the age of 60 with comorbidities on the advice of doctors would be eligible for a what he termed a “precaution” or third dose.

In a late-evening televised address to the nation, Modi announced the dates for the commencement of this vaccination process. Jan. 3, 2022 will see the roll-out of vaccination for 15- to 18-year-olds, while Jan. 10 will be the commencement date for “precaution dose” for healthcare workers and the elderly with comorbidities.

The announcement comes on the back of the Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) giving emergency usage nod for Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin to be used for children aged 12-18.

“All our decisions with regard to vaccination, their research, approval and certification has been scientifically driven as has our vaccination drive and who is eligible to be vaccinated first, in that regard, these decisions today were made,” the PM said.

Vaccinations for children aged between 15 and 18, he said, will not only help protect them as schools have reopened in many places but also go a long way in assuring worried parents.

In the course of his nearly 15-minute address, the PM urged caution without panic in dealing with Omicron variant. He gave an overview of ground-level preparations already made by the Government with regard to healthcare systems in anticipation of Omicron and taking lessons from the second wave.

“Currently, nearly 90 percent of all those eligible for vaccines have had at least one dose, and 61 percent of the eligible population has had both doses. We have over 18 lakh hospital beds available, out of which five lakh beds are oxygen supported. Almost 90,000 intensive care unit (ICU) beds are for children alone and over 30,000 PSA oxygen plants have been set                                                                       up across the country,” Modi said on the healthcare infrastructure ramp up after the second wave devastated India in the summer months.

“I would ask that you not to panic but maintain caution in the face of the new mutation of the Coronavirus. Maintain use of masks and frequently wash hands. As we have faced the Coronavirus, our ability to fight it has also improved,” he said.

Doctors welcome move

The medical fraternity of the country has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement that those in the age group of 15-18 years will be getting the jabs from next month. They said that children above 5 years of age should be vaccinated.

“It is a welcome decision. The next plan should be to vaccinate children above 5 years old. Paediatricians should be allowed to vaccinate these children in their clinics,” doctors said.

“Not only should we target 13 years plus children, but also we should target 5 year olds also. That should be our next plan. All paediatricians should be allowed to vaccinate these children in their clinics if we want to expedite the vaccination process,” they added.

Most of the children from this age group visit paediatric clinics and the process of vaccination can be expedited rather than limiting it to a few vaccination centres.

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New Delhi: With eight percent increase in fresh Covid-19 infections in the country, the Centre on Saturday decided to deploy multi-disciplinary teams to 10 States identified with surge in Omicron numbers, apart from continued rise in Covid-19 cases and slow vaccination pace.

These Central teams will help add teeth to the efforts of the States and District Administrations for management of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Mizoram, Karnataka, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Punjab will see these teams stationed in the State for 3 to 5 days, said the Ministry of Health in an official statement.

“The teams will specifically look into contact tracing, surveillance, containment operations, vaccination process, besides availability of hospital beds, sufficient logistics, ambulance, ventilators, medical oxygen,” it added.

The Ministry has also asked the teams to assess the situation, suggest remedial actions and submit report every evening by 7 pm.

The dictate comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting on Thursday to review the Covid-19 situation in the country. Attended by top officials from the Health Ministry, Home Ministry and other Ministries and Departments, the meeting was held when Omicron number crossed 300 in the country.

On Saturday, with 415 cases of the new highly transmissible variant, the country saw restrictions in various States as the year-end celebrations kicked in with the Christmas festivities.

As of Dec. 25, Maharashtra has recorded a maximum of 108 Omicron cases, followed by Delhi 79, Gujarat 43, Telangana 38, Kerala 37, Tamil Nadu 34 and Karnataka 31 among 10 other States.

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Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association questions the conduct of Flower Show at Palace

Mysuru:The Mysuru Hotel Owners’ Association has questioned the rationale behind permitting the Flower Show at Mysore Palace from Dec. 25 to Jan. 2 amidst the Omicron scare and at a time when the State Government has imposed restrictions on hotels for New Year’s eve celebrations.

The Association has stated that on the one hand, hotels are heavily restricted from celebrating New Year, gathering of crowds and organising DJ parties, the same Government was permitting the Flower Show where thousands of visitors gather at one particular place.

In a press release, Association President C. Narayanagowda alleged discrimination.   “We do not understand the rationale behind issuing guidelines when events like Flower Shows that attract a large number of people are permitted. We have also heard about fireworks display welcoming the New Year at the Mysore Palace,” he said.

“Guidelines must be uniform for all and all should comply with COVID-19 protocols. But here we see that restrictions are only for hotels that usually celebrate Christmas and New Year while no such restrictions are applicable to the District Administration that is organising the Flower Show. Is it reasonable to single out hotels?”  he asked.

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• No need for people to panic, says District Health Officer
• DC to hold meeting as series of year-end events lined up

Mysore/Mysuru: The first case of Omicron, the latest variant of the Coronavirus, has been confirmed in Mysuru by the District Health Office.

A nine-year-old child, who came to Bengaluru along with her parents on Dec. 19 by flight, had to undergo the mandatory RT-PCR test at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, which proved positive according to health officials.

The family, from Mysuru, had been to Switzerland and Abu Dhabi on a holiday and stayed there for some time. The family later arrived in Mysuru and the health authorities here were alerted by the Bengaluru authorities on the RT-PCR results, said Health Department sources.

“The samples were sent for genome sequencing and the test results are out now. The girl has been isolated at a facility in Mysuru and is asymptomatic. Tests on her parents were negative and the family is under observation. We are tracing the primary and secondary contacts and the Department is on high alert,” District Health  Officer (DHO) Dr. K.H. Prasad told Star of Mysore.

There is no need for the people to panic and they must follow the safety norms and they should mandatorily take two doses of vaccine, he said.

The District Administration, Health Department and the Mysuru City Corporation have taken enough precautions to counter the Omicron threat, the DHO added. 

A series of events have been lined up in Mysuru and already, an exhibition is on at Dasara Exhibition Grounds. The Flower Show at Mysore Palace will be held from Dec. 25, followed by Christmas and New Year celebrations. As the first Omicron case has been reported, Mysuru Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bagadi Gautham will be holding a meeting with the authorities concerned today to take stock of the situation, said Dr. Prasad.

“The administration is geared up in case the Omicron cases escalate. We have a dedicated facility at the District Hospital to treat COVID and Omicron patients. At present, no COVID patient is being treated at any of the Government Hospitals except the District Hospital. If cases mount, we have Princess Krishnajammanni Super Speciality Hospital, Trauma Care and PKTB Hospital to take in patients and all the hospitals are self-reliant in oxygen. We are even ready to open Covid Care Centres if it amounts to that,” DHO Dr. Prasad added.   Already the State Government has imposed a series of restrictions for the year-end celebrations and the DC will take a call if more restrictions are needed in Mysuru in the wake of the Omicron case being reported for the first time.

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Mysuru reports 14 new COVID-19 positive cases, 17 discharges and 1 death today.

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