Dharamshala: Remarking on the significant contributions made by NGOs and individuals since the advent of the covid-19 pandemic, Chair Palden Dhondup of the Task Force Committee who is also the Secretary of Health Department said that they deserve all appreciations, and more for their humanitarian support and services prompted amid the crisis.
To acknowledge and honour the contribution of various NGOs and individuals, Secretary Palden announced that CTA will award a certificate of appreciation to all those who are doing their part in mitigating the impacts of the pandemic.
While there have been many organisations and individuals in the Tibetan community who played crucial roles and whose funding has helped in combating the covid crisis, the list of only a few was submitted to the committee among which were 13 of such individuals and organisations from Hunsur settlement who were acknowledged and lauded for their contributions. Secretary Palden also mentioned the donation announced by Sera Jey Thangsa Gomo Tulku Rinpoche amounting to Rs 113 lakhs to the Health Department. He noted that the donation received will be diligently and effectively used as desired by Rinpoche who has requested to allot 50% of the funding to local hospitals across various Tibetan settlements while the remaining amount to be used by CTA to procure PPEs and other resources.
In addition to using the donation in combatting the pandemic crisis in the Tibetan settlements, the 113 lakhs amount contributed by Rinpoche as conveyed by him is to commemorate the 113 years His Holiness the Dalai Lama has assured to live.
As for the weekly covid-status of the exile Tibetan community, Dr Tsering Tsamchoe updated that the mass testing drive this week covered 2332 Tibetans in India and Nepal. Of those tested individuals, Dr Tsamchoe reported 121 new cases ad 2 deaths. With this, the total number of reported cases of the exile Tibetan community is 4802, 4139 recoveries,124 deaths, and 639 active cases.
As India reported 6,148 deaths in the last 24 hours, taking the total toll to 3,59,676 in addition to 94,052 fresh cases, the central government has begun speeding up the second dose of vaccine drive, especially among the priority groups. State governments and UT have been directed to prepare for the same while the government is keeping up with the phase 3 trial for Covaxin.
Meanwhile, in order to bring down the fresh cases, people are appealed for increased compliance with covid measures. Likewise, Dr Tsamchoe suggested the intake of more food items that boost immunity such as fresh vegetables and fruits, plenty of water, and yoghurt etc. She advised extra precautions during this period of seasonal changes and with the advent of monsoon season, it may bring forth seasonal flu which in effect can enhance the spread of the virus as per the studies of the researchers.
Dr Tenzin Tsundue advised those in quarantine and home isolation to monitor and record the SpO2 level thrice a day to ensure it remains above 94. In case if it is below 94 per cent, hospital admission may be required on the advice of the doctor. He recommended proning position for covid patients to help them breathe easier.
In cases of fever and pain, Dr Tsundue advised not to consume any medicine other than Paracetamol as it remains the first choice of doctor’s prescription.
Addressing the report related to the outbreak of black fungus (mucormycosis) cases in India, Dr Tsundue informed that it is a rare fungal infection that seems to be affecting only 3% of the recovered and recovering covid patients. At present, only Maharashtra and Gujurat have reported the maximum cases of mucormycosis. Patients with excess diabetes and a weak immune system are said to be more prone to this fungal infection, thus, people are urged to be cautious yet not overly worried.
Dr Tsundue also provided clarification and answered queries received from the people on the following key issues:
- Covid patient should get themselves vaccinated after a period of 3 months of recovery.
- Due to a lack of data, pregnant women in India are not eligible for the vaccine as per the government’s policy
- Lactating women are eligible for the vaccine as per the changes in the protocol amended.
- Fully vaccinated individuals still have to maintain social distancing and wear a mask to avoid further complications.
- People with a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any component of the COVID-19 vaccine or injectable (intramuscular or intravenous) medication should NOT receive the vaccine.
- People treated with monoclonal antibodies must wait for a period of 3 months before getting themselves vaccinated.
- In severe cases, covid patients are advised to wait for 1-month post-recovery to get themselves vaccinated.
- Vaccination to be deferred 3 months after recovery from Covid given the evolving situation of the pandemic, emerging scientific evidence and experience from across the globe as recommended by the Health Ministry.
- The second dose of the vaccine must be the same brand used in the first dose.
- People who opted the first dose of Covishield are recommended to wait 3-4 months before the second dose while 28-42 days recommended for Covaxin.
- Lack of side effects post-vaccination is common. The immunity against the virus is either way established after vaccination.