New Delhi: As the nation is nearing to the conclusion of third phase of lockdown, there continues to exit uncertainties in terms of next move taken by the Centre and States in order to curb the spread of contagious coronavirus. Amid the ongoing pandemic, Union Home Ministry on Monday asserted that all the States have been told to ensure smooth movement of medical professionals and para-medical staff, and opening of all private clinics, nursing homes and labs.


While addressing the media, Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agrawal informed that 4,213 new Coronavirus cases have been reported in India in the last 24 hours taking the total count to 67,152. 44,029 cases are under active medical supervision and 20,917 people have been cured so far, Agarwal said adding that total recovery rate now stands at 31.15 per cent.


Briefing the media over the current COVID-19 situation in the country, Union Home Ministry Joint Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava updated about rescue operation and movement of migrants across country under Centre's Vande Bharat Mission.

"Nearly 4000 Indians have been brought back by 23 flights under Vande Bharat Mission. Over 5 lakh migrant workers have been sent to their home states by 468 special trains. 101 special trains were run yesterday," MHA joint secretary PS Srivastava said.

Meanwhile, he also pointed out that Centre has changed the discharge policy for Coronavirus patients "because several countries have changed their policy from test-based strategy to symptom and time-based strategy".

Going by the new discharge policy, very mild/mild & moderate patients can be discharged without the COVID-19 test, subject to clinical conditions. 

 

Another Health Ministry official also stated that the spread of the deadly coronavirus is cause of concern for the entire world. "We have to try together that whoever develops symptoms of COVID-19, should not hide, rather step out and get timely treatment. If we do not do this, we will not only be ill but put our families' health at risk".

Speaking on the concerns raised over reports of govt mulling community-wise mapping of COVID-19 spread, Health ministry termed it to be 'irresponsible piece of news'. "This is a very irresponsible piece of news. COVID-19 does not see people's caste, creed or religion," Agarwal added.