NEW DELHI: In view of the rising COVID cases globally, Indian PM Narendra Modi held a high official meeting on Thursday, a day after the Union Health minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged all states and UTs to conduct random sampling and genome sequencing.
At the meeting, PM Modi asked the states to audit Covid-specific facilities to ensure the readiness of hospital infra, including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and staffing. He even advised people to follow Covid-appropriate behavior at all times, including wearing masks in crowded places, especially in view of upcoming festivals.
Instructing officials to ramp up testing and genome sequencing efforts, PM Modi also urged citizens especially kids and the elderly to take precautionary doses. States have been asked to share a larger number of samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (lGSLs) for genome sequencing on a daily basis, the PMO said. This will support the timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and facilitate undertaking requisite public health measures.
“Covid not over yet. Strengthen ongoing surveillance measures, especially at international airports. Audit Covid-specific facilities to ensure readiness of hospital infra, including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and staff,” the Prime Minister said, according to the statement.
Earlier in the day, health minister Mansukh Mandaviya addressed both houses of Parliament over the prevailing Covid-19 situation. He informed that airports have initiated 2 percent random testing of international travelers arriving.
“In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within the community on adherence to Covid appropriate behavior which includes use of masks, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing,” he said.