As China Grapples With Covid Surge, Here's How Indian States Chalk Out Combat Plans
The Centre has asked all the states to ensure the positive Covid samples are sent for genome sequencing to look for new variants that are in circulation in the country.
New Delhi: As China grapples with a rise in Covid-19 cases, India is taking all necessary measures to guard itself against the new Omicron variant BF.7, that is driving the surge in the neighbouring country.
The Centre has asked all the states to ensure the positive Covid samples are sent for genome sequencing to look for new variants that are in circulation in the country.
Here’s a look at how some of the states are gearing up to combat a Covid surge in the country:
Delhi
After the national capital recorded 200 cases, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal called an emergency meeting on Thursday to take stock of the preparations against the new Covid variant. Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, along with other senior health officials were present in the meeting.
“We don't have a single case of that variant in Delhi. So there's no need to worry. We are doing genome sequencing. Currently, XBB variant cases are coming in Delhi,” Kejriwal said, adding, “We have 8,000 beds for Covid in Delhi. Now, we aim to prepare 36,000 beds pertaining to Covid. We have a storage capacity of 928 mt tonne oxygen in Delhi.”
Maharashtra
The state government will team up with the Centre to combat Omicron variant BF.7. As per reports, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that the government is planning to set up a Task Force to monitor the Covid situation.
“We will reiterate five point programme (test, track, treat, vaccinate and ensure COVID-appropriate behaviour), random thermal screening of 2% of passengers at the airport. A total of 95% of vaccination has been done in Maharashtra, no need to panic. Mask is not mandatory...Instructions have been given to all local authorities to conduct review meetings," Maharashtra Home Minister Tanaji Sawant said.
Gujarat
The health department confirmed that three cases of the new variant were reported in the state. To prevent the further spread, a review meeting was held in Gandhinagar under the chairmanship of health minister Rushikesh Patel. He also instructed that, if required, the state will adopt the ‘Triple T’ — tracing, testing and treatment — approach.
Bihar
The government issued an advisory asking the malls, shopping centres and cinema halls to follow all Covid protocols. Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) will be conducted at airports, railway stations and bus stands, and suspected samples will be sent for RT-PCR tests and genome sequencing.
Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath discussed the Covid management with a team of experts on Tuesday. Anticipating a surge in the coming days, he said he will appoint expert physicians in all the Covid centres across the state. Yogi also directed the officials to keep an eye on the preparedness so that the state doesn’t lack essential medicines.
He further said samples of positive cases will be sent for genome sequencing and appealed to the people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour.
Uttarakhand
According to reports, State Health Minister Dhan Singh Rawat said that a new set of Covid protocols will be announced to fight the new variant of the virus.
Karnataka
Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and state health minister K Sudhakar held a review meeting in the state on Thursday.
The government issued an advisory on the protocols that are to be followed such as wearing of masks in closed spaces, step up testing, passengers coming from abroad will be tested randomly.
Hospitals have also been asked to keep the oxygen cylinders, plants and generators ready.
The health minister further said that the government will test the positive samples for genome sequencing.
Taking to Twitter, he requested everyone to get the booster dose.
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