‘Covid is not over yet,’ Centre warns following review meeting as China spike triggers alarm

He also stated that Covid-19 is not yet over and that he has directed all concerned officials to remain vigilant and to strengthen surveillance.

In response to the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in China, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated that he had reviewed the country’s coronavirus situation with experts and officials, added that Covid-19 was still present, and instructed all relevant officials to remain vigilant and to step up surveillance.

In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” he said. 

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The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a meeting today to assess the coronavirus situation in the nation in light of news of an increase in cases in the US, South Korea, and Brazil as well.

The whole genome sequencing of positive case samples should be accelerated in order to keep track of any emerging forms of the illness, according to a letter from health ministry secretary Rajesh Bhushan to all states and Union Territories on Tuesday.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to states and UTs that such an activity will enable rapid detection of any novel varieties circulating in the nation and will facilitate implementing necessary public health measures.

He emphasised that India has been successful in limiting the spread of the coronavirus and is currently recording about 1,200 cases per week thanks to its focus on the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Around 35 lakh cases are recorded each week, continuing the COVID-19 public health crisis, according to Bhushan.

“In view of the sudden spurt in cases being witnessed in Japan, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, it is essential to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network,” he said.

“In this context, all states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG genome laboratories that are mapped to states and UTs,” he added.