Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister, will host a high-level virtual meeting with state health ministers on Friday to discuss the sharp rise in Covid cases in India. According to the news agency, representatives from the Empowered Group and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation will also attend the meeting.
According to the morning bulletin issued by the Centre on Thursday, India recorded 5,335 new Covid cases in the previous 24 hours, the highest daily total in 195 days. With 13 deaths reported on Wednesday, the death toll has risen to 5,30,929 people. Karnataka and Maharashtra each reported two deaths, while Kerala and Punjab each reported one death. Kerala provided a reconciliation figure of seven for deaths within its borders.
In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to assess the country’s Covid and influenza situation. This meeting was called in response to an increase in influenza cases and Covid cases in the previous weeks. The Prime Minister directed officials to improve Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples in collaboration with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories, which will aid in the tracking of newer variants and timely response. He emphasised Covid appropriate behaviour, such as patients, health professionals, and health workers wearing masks on hospital grounds. He also emphasised the importance of wearing masks when visiting crowded areas for senior citizens and those with co-morbidities.
On Wednesday, the Covid positivity rate in Delhi surpassed 25%, with 509 new cases reported. The positivity rate was 26.54%, and there were no new deaths. On Tuesday, 521 cases were reported in Delhi, the highest daily increase since August 27 of last year.
Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said on Friday that the Delhi government is closely monitoring the increase in infection cases and is “prepared to face any eventuality.” Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh stated that the government was prepared to deal with any situation that arose as a result of an increase in cases. There are currently no Covid patients in ICU or on ventilator support in the state, according to Singh, who assures that the situation is under control.
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged people to follow Covid-appropriate actions. He instructed them to wear masks in crowded places to prevent the virus from spreading. He also assured the public that his government is keeping a close eye on the situation.