On COVID-19 prevalence among children, Paul said seropositivity rate between 10-17 years is roughly the same as between 30-40 and children can also spread the infection.

“Whenever children contracted the infection then almost always symptoms are minimal, very mild disease or they are asymptomatic and because it is mild the mortality is very very less in them,” he said.

“While it (spread of coronavirus) has stabilised in many parts of the country, and overall the burden has been lessened, we have a long way to go with this wave,” Dr. V. K. Paul, part of a federal government panel on COVID-19 management, told a news conference adding “For the first time, we have seen that rural areas have been affected in this pandemic.” .

“The state government is making a provision of pension of Rs 5000 per month, free ration and education to the children who have become orphans,” said the chief minister.

Talking about the vaccine he said that number of vaccinations will gradually be increased in the state.