“There are some states reporting a higher number of cases indicating a imaginable localized spread of infection,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to the states.
Bhushan called on those states to review the COVID-19 situation at the micro point and focus on implementing mandatory measures for effective and timely control of the disease, duly ensuring effective compliance with the notices issued by the Ministry of Health.
Urging states to exercise strict vigilance, he mentioned that India has noticed a drop in the number of COVID-19 cases in recent months.
However, in recent weeks, a particularly accumulation of cases has been noted in some parts of the country with a total of 2082 cases reported in the week ending March 8 and the figure rose to 3264 cases in the week ending March 15.
“There is a need to stick to a risk-based method to protect it and involve infection, without squandering the gains made in fighting the pandemic,” Bhushan wrote.
He emphasized surveillance of new and emerging clusters of new cases of COVID-19, influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory infection (AIRS) in all compromised gyms or fever clinics on a normal basis to stumble upon early cautionary signs of spreading infection.
It also focused on genomic sequencing for prescribed samples from foreign passengers, collection of samples from sentinel sites (identified fitness facilities) and local case clusters, proactive advocacy to develop preventive dose management for all eligible beneficiaries, and adherence to appropriate Covid habit in particular in enclosed spaces and crowded spaces.
“It is imperative that the state maintain strict vigilance and take preventive measures if they are mandatory in all spaces of fear of the emerging spread of infection,” Bhushan said.
He mentioned that Maharashtra reported a growth in weekly instances from 355 in the week ending March 8 to 668 in the week ending March 15.
In addition, the state reported a positivity rate of 1. 92% in the week ending March 15, which is higher than India’s positivity rate of 0. 61% in the same period.
Gujarat reported an increase in weekly instances from 105 in the week ending March 8 to 279 in the week ending March 15, the letter said.
In addition, the state reported a positivity rate of 1. 11% the week ending March 15.
Telangana reported a weekly accumulation of 132 in the week ending March 8 to 267 in the week ending March 15.
In addition, the state reported a positivity of 0. 31% in the week ending March 15.
According to the letter, Tamil Nadu reported an increase in weekly instances from 170 in the week ending March 8 to 258 in the week ending March 15. In addition, the state reported a positivity rate of 1. 99% in the week ending March 15.
Kerala reported an increase in weekly instances from 434 to 579 the period. In addition, the state reported a positivity rate of 2. 64% the week ending March 15.
Karnataka reported an increase in weekly instances from 493 to 604 years.
The state reported a positivity of 2. 77% in the week ending March 15.