15% children likely to be infected in COVID 3rd wave: Odisha official

Bhubaneswar: The third wave of COVID-19 is expected to have less impact with 15 per cent children likely to get infetcted by the virus, informed Director of Health and Family Welfare Department Bijay Panigrahi.

Speaking to mediapersons, the official said preparation is underway in view of the possibility of 15 per cent children to be infected by the virus. Training of all frontline workers, Anganwadi and ASHA workers is already over.

“Training of those to be involved in providing treatment to children likely to be infected in the third wave will begin online from today. They will be divided into six batches for the training,” he stressed.

Besides, help desks have been set up to assist people in downloading vaccination certificates. Beneficiaries can download their vaccination certificate and get other related information on WhatsApp number- 9013151515 he added.

Regarding vaccination drive in the state, he said so far 1.78 crore people have been vaccinated. While 1.37 core people have been administered with first dose, 41 lakh have been given second dose of vaccine. Besides, 57,000 expectant mothers have been vaccinated in the state so far.

“We have planned to vaccinate as many as people before the possible third wave. Now, focus is being given on vaccination of people in rural areas,” he added.