In light of the growing number of Covid-19 cases across the nation, the Centre urged eight states, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Maharashtra, to maintain strict vigilance and take aggressive measures in any high-risk locations to avoid the spread of infection.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to eight states, including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana, and Delhi, emphasising that “Covid is still not over.” He advised them to be cautious and watchful against complacency, as even a minor lapse may erase the progress done in managing the pandemic thus far.
“The country has been witnessing a consistent rise in Covid-19 cases since March, with 10,262 cases reported in the week ending April 20. A rise in positivity rate has also been noted across the country, with 5.5 per cent positivity reported in the week ending April 19 against 4.7 per cent positivity reported in the previous week,” Bhushan said. “This is a cause of concern,” he added.
Although Covid-19 hospitalisation and mortality rates have remained modest, states or districts reporting a higher number of cases may suggest the infection’s localised spread. As a result, he believes it is critical to closely monitor these states or districts with high daily cases and/or high test positivity rates, and to implement required public health measures to manage and contain surges in the early phases.
”It is also critical to ensure timely and regular updating of data to assist in accurate monitoring of the situation. It is essential that the State must maintain a strict watch and take preemptive action if required in any area of concern to control any emerging spread of infection. Regular monitoring and follow-up action are crucial,” Bhushan said.
He further said the five-fold strategy for pandemic control, namely Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination, and adherence to Covid-appropriate behavior, remains a reliable approach. However, it is critical for state health departments to institute prompt and effective public health measures with a focus on strengthening Covid surveillance in all districts. It is also essential to monitor the trends of influenza-like illness (ILI) and SARI cases in all sentinel surveillance sites regularly and ensure their reporting through the IDSP-IHIP network, he said.