Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday asked hospitals in the country to be prepared amid a rise in the cases of Covid-19. He also asked to step up surveillance and communication with people during a high-level meeting to review the situation of coronavirus in the country.
"It is time to work together with a 'Whole of Government' approach, through closely working with each other. We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic.
NITI Aayog member-Health VK Paul said, "Health minister has requested the states and UTs to be aware and vigilant, but at the same time, there is no need to panic."
"We must improve our surveillance," he said, adding that the states should mount absolute preparations in terms of readiness for hospital availability.
In India, Kerala has been witnessing an uptick in the cases. On Wednesday, Kerala recorded 292 new cases of coronavirus in the last 24 hours while three people died due to the infection.
According to the data published by Union health ministry on Wednesday, the current active cases in the state have risen to 2,041. In the preceding 24-hour period until 8 AM on Tuesday, India reported a total of 341 coronavirus cases.
While the cases record a spike, state Health Minister Veena George said there was nothing to be concerned about in Kerala since the state was prepared to handle the virus infection.
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Directions have been provided to arrange for special facilities for COVID patients and ensure the availability of rooms, oxygen beds, ICU beds and ventilators in hospitals, she said.
During the Wednesday meeting, Mandaviya also urged all the States and Union Territories to ensure preventive measures in view of the cold conditions during winter season, and the coming festival season.
The World Health Organisation has classified JN.1 coronavirus strain as a "variant of interest" amid a surge in cases.