Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a high-level virtual meeting with state health ministers on Friday to address the sharp increase in Covid cases in India. Empowered Group and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation officials will also attend the meeting, reported news agency.
According to the Centre's morning bulletin on Thursday, India recorded 5,335 fresh Covid cases over the previous 24 hours, the highest daily total in 195 days. The death toll has risen to 5,30,929, with 13 deaths reported on Wednesday. Karnataka and Maharashtra reported two deaths each, whereas Kerala and Punjab logged one death per state. A reconciliation figure of seven was provided by Kerala for deaths within its territory.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to take stock of the Covid and influenza situation in the nation. This meeting was called in response to a spike in influenza cases and a rise in Covid cases in preceding weeks. The Prime Minister directed officials to enhance the Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories, which will support tracking of newer variants and timely response. He emphasized Covid appropriate behavior, including wearing masks on hospital premises by patients, health professionals, and health workers. He also stressed the importance of wearing masks when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.
On Wednesday, Delhi's Covid positivity rate exceeded 25%, with 509 fresh cases recorded. The positivity rate was pegged at 26.54%, with no new deaths. On Tuesday, Delhi recorded 521 cases, the highest daily rise since August 27 last year.
The Delhi government is closely monitoring the surge in infection cases and is "prepared to face any eventuality," Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday. Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh said the government was prepared to deal with any situation arising from a rise in cases. Currently, there are no Covid patients in ICU or on ventilator support in the state, Singh said, assuring that the situation is under control.
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister, asked the people of his state to adhere to Covid-appropriate behavior. He asked them to wear masks in crowded places to prevent the transmission of the virus. He also assured people that his government is closely monitoring the situation.