The Centre has asked six states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka — to adopt a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the spread of COVID-19 infections. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan sent a letter to the states advising them to examine the situation of COVID-19 at a micro-level and maintain focus on the implementation of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of the disease. Read on for more updates on Covid-19 in India.
Centre Flags Localised Spread of Covid-19, Asks Six States to Monitor Situation
The Centre has issued a warning about the localised spread of Covid-19 infections in six Indian states, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has sent a letter to the states, advising them to adopt a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the spread of infections.
Need for Risk Assessment-Based Approach
India has seen a significant decline in the number of Covid-19 cases during the past few months. However, the past few weeks have seen a rise in cases, particularly in certain parts of the country. A total of 2,082 cases were reported in the week ending March 8, rising to 3,264 cases in the week ending March 15. Bhushan noted that there is a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent and contain the infection, without losing the gains made so far in the fight against the pandemic.
Importance of Monitoring and Compliance
Bhushan stressed the importance of monitoring new and emerging clusters of new Covid-19 cases, influenza-like illness (ILI), and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases in all health facilities or through dedicated fever clinics on a regular basis. This is necessary to detect early warning signals of the spread of infection. He also emphasised the importance of effective compliance with various advisories issued by the Ministry of Health, keeping a strict watch on the situation, and taking pre-emptive action if required in any areas of concern to control the emerging spread of infection.
Rise in Weekly Cases
Maharashtra has reported an increase in weekly cases from 355 in the week ending March 8 to 668 in the week ending March 15, with a positivity rate of 1.92 per cent, which is higher than India’s positivity rate of 0.61 per cent during the same period. Gujarat has reported an increase in weekly cases from 105 to 279, with a positivity rate of 1.11 per cent in the week ending March 15. Telangana has reported an increase in weekly cases from 132 to 267, with a positivity rate of 0.31 per cent in…
As the fight against the pandemic continues, people must follow Covid-appropriate behavior, particularly in enclosed and crowded spaces. Proactive promotion is needed to increase the administration of vaccines to the eligible population, as vaccination is the most effective way to protect against Covid-19.
Apart from vaccination, individuals should continue to practice basic hygiene measures such as wearing masks, washing hands regularly, and maintaining physical distancing. These measures are essential to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
Governments and health authorities must also continue to disseminate accurate information on the pandemic and promote Covid-appropriate behavior through public awareness campaigns. This can include using mass media platforms, social media, and community outreach programs to reach a wider audience and promote behavior change.
In addition, it’s crucial to ensure access to healthcare facilities and testing centers for early detection and prompt treatment of Covid-19 cases. Collaboration between governments, private organizations, and civil society is crucial to ensure a coordinated response to the pandemic.
Overall, a multi-pronged approach that involves vaccination, basic hygiene measures, public awareness campaigns, and prompt healthcare services is essential to contain the spread of Covid-19 and save lives.
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