According to the Health Ministry, the country’s airports have begun randomly sampling foreign travelers as of today for Covid-19. This occurs in the midst of an uptick in Covid cases in a number of nations, including China. Additionally, this is being done to improve the genome sequencing process for which a notification was sent to states and UTs on Tuesday.
Four cases of the B 7 variant have been discovered in India over the past week. According to MoFHW sources, the authorities are closely monitoring the situation in China.
There is currently no new mandate for international flights declared in India, according to Dr. VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog.
Random sampling of international passengers for Covid19 has started at airports in the country from today: Health Ministry sources
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2022
Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Health Minister presided over a review meeting of top health officials and experts on the country’s Covid situation on Wednesday. He issued instructions to officials to be vigilant and step up surveillance in light of an increase in coronavirus cases around the world.
“COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” tweeted Union Health Minister after the meeting.
There have been reports of a sudden increase in Covid cases in a number of nations, including China, Japan, the US, and Brazil.
Bharati Pravin Pawar, minister of state for health and family welfare announced the purpose of today’s meeting before it began at 11:30 am. She said the meeting has been convened to discuss the situation of Covid-19 in other countries and what needs to be done for India.
Dr. VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog at the end of today’s meeting said: “Only 27-28 percent of people have taken a precautionary dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precautionary doses. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.” He also urged people to use masks in crowded spaces, indoors or outdoors. “This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or is of higher age,” Paul said.
“All states are requested to ensure that as far as possible samples of all positive cases, on a daily basis, are sent to the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (IGSLs) that are mapped to the States and UTs,” said Union Health Secretary.
