On Wednesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya directed officials to ramp up Covid-19 surveillance, maintain a high level of alertness, and conduct aggressive genome sequencing across the country as cases reported from Southeast Asia, China, and Europe once again increased, according to sources.
During a high-level meeting, the minister also reviewed the decision to resume international flights from March 27. Officials, however, stated that no decision was made to revoke the earlier order.
A senior official reported, “The health minister chaired the meeting as Covid cases are on the rise in nearby countries such as China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Europe. He issued three important directions pertaining to Covid management such as intensified surveillance, aggressive genome sequencing, and to maintain a high level of alertness in the country.”
The government is keeping a close watch on the global Covid-19 situation, and officials have been instructed to take all necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading in India. The health minister’s directives came as India recorded a slight increase in daily Covid-19 cases, with 22,854 new cases reported in the last 24 hours. Kerala, Maharashtra, and Punjab are the most affected states in India, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
India’s vaccination drive is also in full swing, with over 77 crore doses administered so far. Despite this, officials have urged the public to remain vigilant and continue to follow Covid-19 safety protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and practicing hand hygiene.
The government has previously suspended international flights due to the pandemic, and while the decision to resume international flights has been made, it remains to be seen whether the government will move forward with it in light of the recent surge in cases in neighboring countries.
The health minister’s directives are part of the government’s efforts to prevent a third wave of Covid-19 in India. The government has also urged citizens to get vaccinated and follow Covid-19 safety protocols to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The Indian government has taken various measures to control the spread of Covid-19, including lockdowns and restrictions on public gatherings. However, with the economy reopening and more people returning to work, officials fear that the virus may once again spread rapidly.
The Union Health Minister’s directives to officials to maintain a high level of alertness, conduct aggressive genome sequencing, and intensify Covid-19 surveillance across the country are crucial in preventing the spread of the virus in India. As cases reported from neighbouring countries once again increase, it is important for the government to take all necessary precautions to prevent the virus from spreading. The public’s cooperation in following Covid-19 safety protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, and practising hand hygiene is also crucial in preventing the spread of the virus.
