Coronavirus HIGHLIGHTS: If At All Covid Spreads, We Are Fully Prepared To Deal With It, Says Kejriwal
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Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will convene an emergency meeting on Thursday amid a sudden spurt in Covid cases in several countries, PTI reported. The Delhi government is keeping a watch on the COVID-19 situation and the chief minister has directed the health department to ensure genome sequencing of samples and take other steps needed to meet any eventuality.
"Delhi government is alert. CM Kejriwal has called an emergency meeting regarding coronavirus tomorrow," an official said on Wednesday.
Amid a spike in COVID-19 cases in Japan, South Korea, Brazil, China and the US, the central government had on Tuesday urged all states and Union territories to gear up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.
Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a Covid review meeting with experts and senior officials, asserting the need for continued surveillance. "Covid is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation," the minister said.
With Christmas and New Year festivities around the corner, state governments have been asked to step up efforts to curb any possible Covid spread as India brought back random testing at airports for international passengers.
The government said random sample testing would be conducted at airports for passengers arriving from China and other countries.
The move came amid growing concerns over the spread of Covid in China following the recent easing of strict lockdown measures. Hospitals and medical facilities in China have been overwhelmed with patients.
One epidemiologist has projected that 60 per cent of the country's population could end up being infected over the course of the next few months.
Covid Tests To Be Conducted On 2% Passengers Of Flights On Arrival At Airports: Ministry Of Civil Aviation
Ministry of Civil Aviation to ensure 2% of the total passengers in a flight undergo Covid tests at the airport on arrival and the passengers identified by the airline will be allowed to leave the airport after giving their samples. Samples testing positive will be sent for genome sequencing.
Will Reiterate Five-Point Programme, Thermal Screening At Airports: Maharashtra Home Minister
"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.
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