Mask up in crowded places: Centre advises after high-level meeting
What's the story
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with top officials on Wednesday to review India's COVID-19 situation as cases are seeing a resurgence globally, especially in China. Officials emphasized that COVID-19 was not over yet and said that people should wear masks in crowded places. Mandaviya said the ministry was prepared to tackle "any situation" and asked the concerned authorities to stay alert.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Given the rising COVID-19 cases in Brazil, China, Japan, South Korea, and the US, the ministry earlier directed all states to increase genome sequencing of positive cases through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to track variants. China is reportedly seeing a spike in COVID-19 cases after a "sudden" relaxation of its strict zero-COVID policy following anti-lockdown protests.
Guidelines
No change in guidelines for international air travel
NITI Aayog's member VK Paul, who heads the national task force on COVID-19, said that there was no need to panic and adequate tests were being done. He said that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel. India's total COVID-19 tally rose to 4,46,76,330 on Wednesday with 131 new cases, while active cases fell to 3,408.
Twitter Post
Strategy for fighting COVID-19 was chalked out
In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 21, 2022
COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.
We are prepared to manage any situation. pic.twitter.com/DNEj2PmE2W
Details
Appeal to senior citizens to get precautionary dose
Paul said only 27-28% of people have taken the precautionary dose. He appealed especially to senior citizens to get the jab, saying that it was mandated and guided for everyone. Apart from Paul, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman NL Arora, and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Tracking
Send as many samples as possible to IGSLs: Centre
The Centre asked all states to send as many samples as possible daily to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs)—a consortium of over 50 laboratories—to keep a check on genomic variations in the COVID-19 virus. The Health Ministry issued the Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in June, calling for the timely detection and containment of outbreaks of the new variants.