The Maharashtra Covid-19 task team has strongly advised that face masks be made mandatory in both private and public hospitals. As the viral infection progresses into an endemic phase, the newly appointed high-level task group is also looking into concurrent illnesses such as the A(H1N1) and H3N2 viruses.
“It is not just the coronavirus,” said Dr. Subhash Salunkhe, chairperson of the state task team, “but we want to look at other relating infections that have implications for Covid-19.”
The new task force of nine members was revealed Saturday in Pune during an administrative and technical review meeting on the Covid-19 crisis led by Health Minister Tanaji Sawant.
Lt General (retd) Kanitkar also stated that the overall trend is declining by mid-May. “However, according to our previous modeling studies, the peak of the virus is usually in two to three weeks in such places that have seen a rapid rise in cases.” As a result, the peak could occur a few days sooner in some regions,” she explained.
“The increase in infections is comparable to any other influenza virus on its way out.” Because the virus’s survival impulse is greater, illnesses may be milder but spread faster, and the WHO has classified it as a variation of interest.”
As a result, committee members felt that masks should be made necessary in hospitals, especially for older patients who come in for frequent check-ups.
The council will also concentrate on evidence-based particular treatment guidelines for high-risk patients, as well as prepare the state to address issues in managing long covid cases.