In response to COVID-19 concerns, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya advises increased surveillance and mask use.
During the ongoing winter session of Parliament, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya addressed the COVID-19 situation in the nation as cases in China’s neighbour continued to climb.
On December 22, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged States to be vigilant and raise awareness about using face masks and hand sanitizers, particularly in light of the impending holidays and New Year’s celebrations, amid a spike in COVID cases in several areas of the world.
Mr. Mandaviya stated in Lok Sabha that the ongoing evolution of the virus poses a threat to international health in a way that affects almost every nation.
In comparison to the 5.87 lakh cases reported globally each day, India has been reporting an average of 153 new cases each day.
“States also need to focus on maintaining effective community awareness about adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour within the community, which includes usage of masks, hand hygiene, and respiratory hygiene practises, in addition to following physical separation,” he said.
According to Mr. Mandaviya, states have been directed to prioritise increased community surveillance and implement the necessary control and containment measures. Additionally, states have been urged to boost the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases in order to quickly identify any novel variations.
States, according to Mr. Mandaviya, should make sure that the precautionary doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are covered more widely and that more people are made aware of them.
Passenger RT-PCR sampling at international airports:
According to the Minister, 2% random sampling of all overseas travellers began on December 22 at all international airports in an effort to reduce the possibility of any new variants entering the nation.
He added that the Health Department has handled the COVID epidemic with initiative. He noted that the Center has also given the States financial support in their fight against the pandemic.
On December 21, Mr. Mandaviya presided over a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in India and the public health system’s readiness for COVID-19 surveillance, containment, and management. He recommended people adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour and receive the virus vaccination.
He reminded the officials that COVID-19 is still ongoing and urged them to beef up monitoring and be completely prepared.
On December 21, Mr. Mandaviya presided over a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in India and the public health system’s readiness for COVID-19 surveillance, containment, and management. He recommended people adopt COVID-appropriate behaviour and receive the virus vaccination.
He reminded the officials that COVID-19 is still ongoing and urged them to beef up monitoring and be completely prepared.