The Covid-19 seems to be striking the country again and this time with much more force. The total number of active cases reported in the last twenty-four hours is 640, along with one death in Kerala. The active cases toll across the country has gone up to 2,997 as compared to 2,669 of the previous day.
To analyze the preparedness of the public health care system, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a meeting with all the state health ministers. Apart from him, the meeting was also attended by Prof. S P Singh Baghel and Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Ministers of State for Health and Family Welfare. Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog was also present.This meeting was scheduled in the wake of rapidly increasing COVID-19 cases in the country and the new sub-variant JN.1 being discovered.
Also Read: Covid Variant JN.1 Spurs Statewide Health Audit And Preparations, CM Eknath Shinde Chairs Meeting
"Whole Of Government" Approach
The Union Minister stressed the importance of being prepared based on how the new strain has been affecting countries like China, Brazil, Germany, and the United States. He also stressed the need for making collective efforts by both state and the union government in the spirit of the “Whole of Government” approach. All the states are instructed to be on alert and make sure that there is enough stock of medical equipment and medications in case of a possible surge in cases.
The states have also been asked to increase the pace of RT-PCR testing and passing on all the positive samples to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) for the Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to determine the variants and track new variants, if any. A mock drill every three months has been mandated to assess functionality and preparedness and all states/UTs are to share all the information revolving around cases, tests, positivity, etc., in real-time on the COVID portal for effective monitoring.
Also Read: Delhi Government Urges Vigilance: Intensifies Increased Testing and Mandates Masks in Crowded Areas
Coming to the new sub-variant JN.1, it is not a huge risk to public health, however, it is still advised to follow COVID protocols as this sub-variant has the tendency to transmit more rapidly. Wear masks in crowded places and maintain distance from people who are showing symptoms of respiratory issues.