Coronavirus News: Covid is Not Over Yet – warns the Indian Health Minister. His statement came in response to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in China, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that he had reviewed the country’s coronavirus situation with experts and officials, added that Covid-19 was still present, and instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant and to step up surveillance.
“In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Health Minister of India said.
The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a meeting today to assess the coronavirus situation in the nation in light of news of an increase in cases in the US, South Korea, and Brazil as well.
The whole genome sequencing of positive case samples should be accelerated in order to keep track of any emerging forms of the illness, according to a letter from health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan to all states and Union Territories on Tuesday.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to states and UTs that such an activity will enable rapid detection of any novel varieties circulating in the nation and will facilitate implementing necessary public health measures.
Coronavirus News flowing from China viewed seriously by India as it in state of full preparedness
He emphasised that India has been successful in limiting the spread of the coronavirus and is currently recording about 1,200 cases per week thanks to its focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.
The public health challenge of COVID-19 still persists around the world with around 35 lakh cases being reported weekly, Bhushan said.
“In view of the sudden spurt in cases being witnessed in Japan, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network,” he said.
“In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG genome laboratories that are mapped to states and UTs,” he added.
Airport Official in India to Screen Passengers coming from Neighboring Regions
Wary of the rising Covid cases and the constant flow of coronavirus news from China, the Ministry of Health has asked airport officials to screen every passenger coming from the neighbouring nation. Sources said screening of such passengers started at airports on Wednesday.
The notification comes a day after the Centre asked states to send all positive samples for genome sequencing amid a sudden surge in COVID -19 cases in several countries. According to sources, flyers from other nations where incidents of Covid are on a rise may be subjected to random sampling for Covid-19.
The government has also appealed to people to get precaution doses and advised heightened precautions for the elderly and those with comorbidities. However, it has been said that as of now there is no change in regard to aviation.
“Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age,” VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog said after a review meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Madaviya on Wednesday.
“In view of the rising cases of Covid in some countries, especially the increasing coronavirus news hitting the headlines in neighboring china , we reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya said.
