In a statement to both houses of parliament, Mandaviya said a random sample of 2 percent of foreign travelers arriving at airports already began from Thursday to minimize access of new variants to the country.
“Our enemy adjusts over time and we will have to continue our collective combat opposed to him with perseverance and determination,” he said.
The minister said India has reported 153 new cases consistent with the day on average, compared to 5. 87 lakh of new cases reported globally.
He said the Ministry of Health is tracking the scenario and has come up with express interventions to manage the existing challenge.
“In preparation for upcoming New Year’s festivals and celebrations, states are also trying to generate some effective awareness within the network about compliance with appropriate Covid behavior, which includes wearing masks, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, in addition to physical distancing,” he said.
Mandaviya said states are also ensuring that the precautionary dose policy for covid vaccination is increased and that the necessary awareness for it is carried out within the community.
On Wednesday, VK Paul, a member of NITI Aayog (Health), noted that 27-28% of the eligible Indian population had taken the precautionary dose of Covid.
The health minister said states have also been asked to develop whole genome sequencing of all positive cases for immediate detection of new variants, if any.
Mandaviya said India will continue the strategic principles of “Test-Track-Treatment-Vaccination and adherence to correct Covid behavior” for COVID-19 management.
The government is committed to taking all measures to manage this ongoing pandemic, he said.
“I ask for the support of all the deputies for the effort of the government and the help to raise awareness in the network that the pandemic is not yet over and we will have to be vigilant and take mandatory precautions in addition to vaccination,” he said.
The Minister said the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have an effect on the world’s fitness and livelihoods to this day.
“Over the past 3 years, the ever-changing nature of the virus has posed a risk to global fitness in a way that has affected virtually every single country,” he said.
“Over the past few days, we have noted an expanding trajectory of COVID-19 cases around the world. India, on the other hand, has shown a continuous downward trajectory of cases since last year,” he said.
Mandaviya said several cases are being reported in countries including Japan, the United States, South Korea, France, Greece and Italy.
Media reports also report a large number of cases and deaths reported in China in recent days.