Covid scare: Health Min fears Covid cases rise globally-10 points

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya amid the challenge posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries including China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States, Mandaviya chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday to review the COVID-19 situation in India and the preparedness of public health system for surveillance, containment, and management of COVID-19. As a precautionary measure, the government has from Wednesday restarted random sampling of international passengers at airports across the country for COVID-19. Today in the Parliament, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla wore a mask as the proceedings began and were also seen wearing masks in the wake of a sudden surge in Covid cases in China and other countries.

Here are the top 10 updates in this story:

1. India has been reporting 153 new cases on average every day as against 5.87 lahks on a daily basis across the world. Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said states have been asked to focus on heightened surveillance within the community. To undertake requisite control and containment measures, and ensure coverage of precautionary doses for COVID-19 vaccination, amid a spurt of coronavirus cases in some parts of the world.
2. Union Health Minister urged people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated against the virus. Emphasizing that COVID-19 is not over yet, he asked the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen surveillance. 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 behaviour, including the use of masks, hand hygiene, and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing, Mandaviya said in Lok Sabha.
3. Mandaviya said states have been advised to focus on heightened surveillance within the community and to undertake requisite control and containment measures. He said states have also been advised to increase the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases for the timely detection of newer variants if any.
4. Mandaviya said India would continue to focus on strategic principles of 'Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behavior' for management of COVID-19. The government is committed to undertake all required measures towards managing this ongoing pandemic. The minister said the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact health and livelihood of the world till date. "Over the last three years, the continuously evolving nature of the virus has posed a threat to global health in a way that has impacted virtually every country."
5. Mandaviya said two per cent random sampling of international travellers arriving at airports has already started from Thursday to minimise ingress of any new variant in the country."Our enemy is changing with time and we need to continue our collective fight against it with perseverance and determination."
6. Former Health Minister Harshvardhan emphasized taking timely precautions and the effectiveness of wearing face masks. Masks are quite effective as far as Covid is concerned. It should take all the timely precautions. There's no harm in wearing masks as they protect us from air pollutants.
7. In the past six months, India has reported four cases of the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant, which is driving the current surge of infections in China. Various states have also stepped up vigil. It is important of being prepared and remain alert against new and emerging strains of COVID-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season.
8. Mandaviya directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country.
9. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi alleged that the Opposition had been showing "their attitude" towards the Covid guidelines. Both the chairs in the Parliament have requested the members to wear face masks during proceedings. But the leaders from the Opposition did not wear masks which shows their attitude towards Covid guidelines.
10. Dr VK Paul, Member, Niti Aayog said that only 27-28 per cent of people have taken a precautionary dose. It is mandatory to wear masks in crowded places. It's an appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take the precautionary dose. Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or those of higher age.