This comes as China has experienced an increase in Covid-19 infections over the previous few weeks, prompting concerns that the nation could see over a million deaths in the upcoming months.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting with top Ministers and government officials later in the evening to discuss the Covid-19 situation in the nation on a day when Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged states to increase community vigilance and administer the precaution doses of vaccines.
China has seen an increase in Covid-19 instances, prompting PM Modi to ask for tighter surveillance with an emphasis on genome sequencing and more testing across the nation.
According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s office, the PM requested from the states at the meeting that hospital facilities be made operationally ready. In addition, he urged everyone to put on masks and behave in a Covid-appropriate manner. “Covid is still ongoing. Boost ongoing security checks, particularly at international airports.
The statement quoted the prime minister as saying, “Audit Covid-specific facilities to guarantee preparedness of hospital equipment, including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and staff.”
Speaking to both Houses of Parliament about the current Covid-19 problem, Mandaviya said 2% random testing of arriving foreign passengers at airports had already begun as of this Thursday.
The official added that states should concentrate on maintaining effective community information regarding adherence to Covid good behaviour. In addition to keeping a physical distance, it’s also necessary to utilise masks, practise respiratory hygiene, and maintain good hand and hand cleanliness.
This follows a recent spike in Covid-19 infections in China, which prompted warnings that the nation could experience over a million fatalities in the upcoming months.
The Omicron sub-variant BF.7, which is thought to be responsible for the rise in China, has been found in three cases so far in India; the first was in Odisha in September, and the second two months later in Gujarat. Officials in Gujarat reported two cases of the sub-variant, both of which have since recovered. In September in Vadodara and November in Ahmedabad, instances were reported.
India reported 185 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, while the number of active cases dropped to 3,402. Delhi has reportedly experienced one fatality in the previous 24 hours.
