-By ArdorComm News Network
December 21, 2022
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the country on Wednesday in light of a recent surge in cases in some regions of the world, and instructed officials to remain vigilant and increase surveillance. “In view of the rising cases of Covid-19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya stated this in a tweet.
In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today.
COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.
We are prepared to manage any situation. pic.twitter.com/DNEj2PmE2W
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 21, 2022
The meeting was attended by the secretaries of health, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Member (Health) of NITI Aayog Dr V K Paul, and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr N K Arora, among others.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to states and UTs that such an effort will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating throughout the country and will facilitate the implementation of necessary public health measures. Given the rise in cases in Japan, the United States of America, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, and China, the Union Health Ministry encouraged all states and union territories on Tuesday to increase whole genome sequencing of positive Covid samples in order to track emerging variants.
COVID has been spreading rapidly in China. According to informal figures, over 40% of Beijing residents are currently infected with COVID. The CCP, on the other hand, has shifted its agenda to depict COVID as a simple flu. As the number of cases increases in major Chinese cities, even people with minor symptoms are rushing to hospitals. Emergency call operators are receiving 30,000 calls each day, which is six times the daily average.
According to Voices Against Autocracy, there are long queues outside fever clinics in several towns. Treatments and medication are in low supply, and hospitals are stressed as doctors and nurses become infected with the illness. Doctors who have tested positive or are asymptomatic are also being urged to report to work, putting the public at danger of further transmission.
Epidemiologists recently predicted that at least three COVID waves would hit China this winter. According to The Hong Kong Post, the Chinese government was “under-prepared” when it unexpectedly ended its zero-COVID policy in response to nationwide protests. The Chinese government has stayed silent on the number of deaths so far. However, Chinese authorities have warned of successive waves of COVID infections in the coming months, since cases have continued to increase since restrictions were lifted earlier this month.
Source: PTI, ANI