Covid-19 cases in India at four-month high; PM Narendra Modi stresses on tracking new variants
HY News
23 March, 2023 10:59 am IST
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On March 22, India recorded 1,134 cases of coronavirus. This is the highest number of cases in over four months. According to the data released by the Union Health Ministry, the number of active cases now stands at 7,026. The total tally of Covid-19 cases in India was 44.6 million.
At the same time, the country is also reeling under the pressure of H3N2 influenza cases, with people experiencing high fever, prolonged cough and weakness.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi directed officials on Wednesday to enhance whole genome sequencing of the Covid-19 virus to track newer variants and carry out effective monitoring of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory infections. He also urged people to follow respiratory hygiene and Covid-19 appropriate behaviour, according to a statement issued by the PMO.
The directions came at a high-level meeting the Prime Minister held to review the Covid-19 and influenza situation in the country. He was informed that availability and prices of 20 main Covid drugs, 12 other drugs, 8 buffer drugs and 1 influenza drug are being monitored.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary P K Mishra, NITI Aayog member V K Paul, Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) DG Rajiv Bahl and PMO Advisor Amit Khare.
Dr Randeep Guleria, former director of All Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), said the rising corona cases in India could be attributed to a new variant, XBB.1.16. In an interview with the news agency PTI, he said it was like a "new kid on the block".
The former AIIMS Director said that the virus keeps mutating over time, but there is no need to panic as the new variant does not cause severe illness and death.
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