New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review the situation related to Covid-19 and influenza in India and public health preparedness. This meeting was held as the nation witnessed a spike in Influenza cases and a rise in Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks. The Prime Minister talked about genome sequencing and Covid-appropriate behaviour.
As per the PMO, PM Modi directed officials to enhance the Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories. Genome sequencing will help in the tracking of newer variants and preparing for a timely response.
PM Narendra Modi today chaired a high-level meeting to assess the Covid-19 & Influenza situation in the country. This meeting comes in the backdrop of a spike in Influenza cases in the country & rise of Covid-19 cases in the past 2 weeks: Prime Minister’s Office
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2023
The PM emphasized Covid-appropriate behaviour and asked to wear masks on hospital premises by both patients and health workers. He also suggested that wearing masks is advisable for senior citizens and people with co-morbidities visiting crowded areas.
He acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic is not over and there is a need to monitor the situation on regular basis. Prime Minister advised continuing the 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behaviour, also enhancing Lab surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases.
On Covid preparedness, he added that mock drills should be conducted regularly so that the hospitals get ready for all exigencies. He stressed the availability of required drugs and logistics, including the availability of sufficient beds and human resources to tackle the unforeseen situation.
On Influenza rise in the country, he directed the officials to do effective monitoring of IRI/SARI cases, and testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Adenovirus along with states.
As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the nation recorded 1,134 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, which takes the total cases to 7,026.
