Centre advice states to undertake mock drills in view of upsurge in COVID -19 and Influenza cases
HY News
28 March, 2023 10:38 am IST
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As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the Centre on Monday reviewed states' and Union Territories' preparedness for pandemic management and the progress of vaccination.
The Centre reviewed public health preparedness for the management of COVID-19 and vaccination progress with States in view of the upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a high-level meeting through video conferencing with States and Union Territories on Monday.
The Health Secretary also cautioned states and UTs against any complacency and advised them to follow up on the priorities listed in a joint advisory issued by the Department of Health Research and the Department of Health and Family Welfare.
The Health Secretary stressed on ramping of testing with higher proportion of RT-PCR, and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. He urged everyone to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times. He also stressed on the need to increase administration of precautionary doses among people, especially for the vulnerable population group.
Further, he also advised States to undertake mock drills across all health facilities on the 10th and the 11th of April to ensure operational readiness of Hospital Infrastructure, including Oxygen Cylinders, PSA oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources.
The Union Health Secretary said, irrespective of the new COVID variants, Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management.
Active cases in the country crossed the 10,000-mark after recording over 1,800 new Covid cases for two consecutive days, health ministry data showed on Monday.
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