Covid cases surge in India: PM Modi says Covid far from over, urges focus on 5-fold strategy & genome sequencing
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the Covid-related situation and public health preparedness in view of the recent surge in coronavirus cases as well as influenza infections.
Focus on a 5-fold strategy, enhance genome sequencing: PM
As per a release by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM, Modi advised to continue focusing on a 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid appropriate behavior, enhance lab surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness cases.
He also said that mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that "our hospitals are ready for all exigencies".
PM Modi directed officials to enhance whole genome sequencing of positive samples with the designated INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories. "This will support tracking of newer variants if any, and timely response," the PMO said.
The PM also emphasized Covid-appropriate behavior including wearing masks on hospital premises by patients, health professionals, and health workers. He also stressed that wearing of masks is advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.
As per a release by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), PM, Modi advised to continue focusing on a 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid appropriate behavior, enhance lab surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness cases.
He also said that mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that "our hospitals are ready for all exigencies".
PM Modi directed officials to enhance whole genome sequencing of positive samples with the designated INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories. "This will support tracking of newer variants if any, and timely response," the PMO said.
Covid appropriate behavior, masks
The PM also emphasized Covid-appropriate behavior including wearing masks on hospital premises by patients, health professionals, and health workers. He also stressed that wearing of masks is advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.
PM Modi further directed that effective monitoring of IRI/SARI cases, and testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Adenovirus be followed up with all states.
'Covid far from over
Further, the PM stressed the need to ensure the availability of required drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid-19 across health facilities along with the availability of sufficient beds and human resources.
He also highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and there is a need to monitor the status across the country on regular basis.
The highest single-day rise in cases
As per the daily Union health ministry bulletin, India recorded a single-day rise of 1,134 Covid cases -- the highest so far this year. The active cases have increased to 7,026. The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five fresh deaths. The daily positivity was recorded at 1.09%, while the weekly positivity peg stood at 0.98%
'Covid far from over
Further, the PM stressed the need to ensure the availability of required drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid-19 across health facilities along with the availability of sufficient beds and human resources.
He also highlighted that the Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and there is a need to monitor the status across the country on regular basis.
The highest single-day rise in cases
As per the daily Union health ministry bulletin, India recorded a single-day rise of 1,134 Covid cases -- the highest so far this year. The active cases have increased to 7,026. The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five fresh deaths. The daily positivity was recorded at 1.09%, while the weekly positivity peg stood at 0.98%
Meanwhile, cases of a new sub-variant H3N2 are increasing as the virus is quickly spreading across the country, and its cases are also coming to the fore..
Revised guidelines
On March 19, the health ministry issued revised guidelines for Covid-19 in the wake of the surge in cases.
"Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection. The possibility of coinfection of Covid-19 with other endemic infections must be considered. Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease," revised guidelines said.
The revised rules highlighted the need to maintain physical distancing and use masks.
"Seek immediate medical attention if difficulty breathing, high-grade fever/severe cough, particularly if lasting for more than 5 days. A low threshold is to be kept for those with any of the high-risk features," the guidelines read.
Additionally, in moderate or severe diseases at high risk of progression, the guidelines recommend "Remdesivir for up to 5 days (200 mg IV on day 1 followed by 100 mg IV OD for the next 4 days".
Letter to five states
On March 16, the Union health ministry had written to the state governments of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka to follow a five-fold strategy of testing, tracking, treatment, ing, and vaccinations as these states witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases.
"There are a few states which are reporting a higher number of cases indicating the possible localized spread of infection and there is a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach to prevent & contain the infection, without losing the gains made so far in the fight against the pandemic," Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in the letter.
Bhushan advised the states to examine the situation of Covid-19 at the micro-level and maintain focus on the implementation of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of the disease, duly ensuring effective compliance with various advisories issued by the Ministry of Health.
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