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Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases in China and elsewhere, several state governments have now ramped up Covid protocol and taken precautionary measures to check the spread of infection.
By India Today Web Desk: India has gone into alert mode as the recent surge in coronavirus cases in China has prompted the centre to take stock of domestic situation. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday chaired a meeting with top officials and experts on the Covid-19 situation in the country.
The Union health minister asked people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places, and get vaccinated. Random sample testing for coronavirus will also be conducted at airports for international passengers, as per official sources.
Meanwhile, four cases of BF.7 variant of Omicron, which is responsible for the surge in Covid-19 cases in China, have been found in India, sources in the Union Health Ministry told India Today.
Several state governments have now ramped up Covid protocols and taken precautionary measures to check spread of infection.
KARNATAKA
Karnataka Health and Medical Education Minister K Sudhakar on Wednesday said that Covid-positive samples will be sent for genome sequencing. He added that fresh Covid guidelines will be released soon.
K Sudhakar pointed out that some countries, including China and Japan, are witnessing sudden spurt in cases of coronavirus.
“China is witnessing more hospitalisation. Therefore we need to focus on booster dose coverage. Measures have been taken to send samples for genomic sequencing to trace new variants as per centre's guildelines. A high level meeting will be chaired by the Chief Minister to discuss next steps,” the Karnataka health minister said.
K Sudhakar further said that the state government will start screening international passengers at Bengaluru airport. He, however, did not specify from which date the screening process will begin at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) here.
NEW DELHI
Amid a sudden spurt in Covid cases in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China and the US, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has directed the health department to ensure genome sequencing of samples and take other steps needed to meet any eventuality.
"The Delhi government is keeping a watch on the Covid situation. CM Arvind Kejriwal himself is monitoring the preparedness," a senior Delhi government official was quoted as saying by PTI.
GUJARAT
A review meeting was held on Wednesday under Gujarat Health Minister Rushikesh Patel over the Covid-19 situation. The state health minister instructed top officials of the health department to prepare all necessary arrangements as a precautionary measure to protect against coronavirus in the state.
Rushikesh Patel reviewed all Covid-related arrangements including availability of beds, ventilators and oxygen tank arrangements, and adequate quantity of medicines in PHC, CHC, civil hospital of the state.
Instructions for mandatory Covid testing and tracing of foreign tourists were also given by the state health minister.
ARUNACHAL PRADESH
The Arunachal Pradesh government has directed district health authorities to ensure genome sequencing of samples that are found coronavirus-positive.
"We will continue to focus on testing. Samples of those who are found positive for Covid-19 will be sent for genome sequencing as instructed by the Union Health Ministry for timely detection of variants of coronavirus," State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said on Wednesday.
MAHARASHTRA
Maharashtra health minister Tanaji Sawant said that the state is now on alert mode as the Centre issued fresh Covid advisory.
“The Center has advised us to be aware of the new variant (BF.7). The Center has also instructed us to be alert according to the manner in which the picture is seen in the media from China. The new variant has not found in Maharashtra as of now,” Tanaji Sawant said. He said that a review of all health departments in the state was done on Wednesday.
Tanaji Sawant added that tourists travelling to Maharashtra from foreign countries where Covid cases are detected in large numbers, especially China, will be thermally tested. If necessary, they will be isolated, he said.
KERALA
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged people to take steps to protect themselves from getting infected by the virus. He advised people not to ignore fever, cold and sore throat, and not to be in close contact with people who have symptoms of Covid-19.
Kerala CM also reminded the public that the lessons learned during the peak period of Covid-19 cases in the state should be followed to deal with the virus.
CHANDIGARH
The Chandigarh government said it will increase Covid-19 testing from 100 to 600 per day.
“The Central government has already instructed to keep track of Covid-19 cases and related trends. We will increase testing from 100 to 600 per day. We are taking precautions, I appeal to people to get vaccinated soon,” Yashpal Garg, Health Secretary, was quoted as saying by ANI.
UTTAR PRADESH
The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered opening of all night shelters in the state and regularly sanitise them as precaution against a fresh wave of Covid-19 infection. The homeless shelters have also been asked to ensure social distancing protocols are followed.
The municipal commissioners have been asked to visit their areas and ensure no one slept in the open.
News is originally taken from: https://www.indiatoday.in/coronavirus-outbreak/story/states-ramp-up-covid-protocols-surge-in-cases-in-china-puts-india-on-alert-2311967-2022-12-21
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