In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan insisted on tracking and reporting cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (AIRS) in all sports facilities on a normal basis only to stumble upon the onset of upward trend in instances.
These cases can be tested for COVID-19, Bhushan said.
Secure superior samples for whole genome sequencing among COVID-19 positive samples on the network to enable immediate detection of new variants, if any, in the country, he wrote.
“Given the upcoming festive season and New Year celebrations, it is mandatory to implement the necessary public fitness measures and other arrangements to minimize the threat of further disease transmission by maintaining and strengthening vaccination and adherence to appropriate Covid behavior, i. e. wearing a mask, hand hygiene and breathing and physical distancing,” he said.
Bhushan called on states to ensure good enough testing in all districts, the recommended percentage of RT-PCR and antigen tests, and to inventory existing hospital capacities in terms of bed availability, logistical needs and the need for reorientation of physical workers. in the clinical control of COVID-19 to be prepared for any accumulation of cases.
This can be proven by conducting “blank tests” in hospitals, he said.
“COVID-19 vaccination efforts want to be strengthened through network awareness. All states and UTs pay special attention to the expansion of the “precautionary dose” policy.
“In terms of preparation for the upcoming festivities, it is imperative that all measures are put in place with the relevant stakeholders, such as event organizers, business owners, market positioning associations, etc. indoors, wearing masks at stalls where crowds gather,” he said in the letter.
In recent weeks, COVID-19 cases worldwide have been on an expanding trajectory.
India, however, continues to show a sustained downward trajectory of instances in recent months and currently, an average of 153 new instances are reported across the country, according to the letter.
Bhushan also insisted on effective compliance with detailed operations for the revised Covid-19 surveillance strategy shared through the Ministry of Union.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health is contemplating reintroducing the mandatory “air suvidha” bureaucracy with a negative RT-PCR verification report taken 72 hours earlier or full vaccination evidence for passengers from China and other countries reporting a maximum number of Covid cases.
A resolution on this is expected to be made next week after following up on the situation.