The Covid-19 cases have been on the rise again and the officials are on high alert to combat any situation that might occur. States including Karnataka and Maharashtra have been taking steps towards preventing any possible outbreak by releasing public advisories. Amid the surge in numbers, the Delhi government has also urged vigilance and caution and assured that the state is prepared for any unforeseen circumstances. On Tuesday, Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj urged the general public not to panic and to follow precautions, especially in the holiday season with New Year right around the corner.
Also Read: Amid Surge In Cases, Karnataka Imposes 7-Day Home Isolation For Covid Positive
COVID Positivity Rate In Delhi
As per Health Minister Bharadwaj, more than four hundred tests are being conducted on an everyday basis in Delhi and the positivity rate is somewhat around one percent. The process of Whole Genome Sequencing has also been expedited in light of current circumstances. He also emphasized the fact that even though the new sub-variant of Omicron, JN.1, is not life-threatening, it is still important to follow COVID protocol and take enough precautions to stay safe and keep the infection at bay.
Also Read: WHO Says JN.1 COVID Strain A ‘Variant Of Interest’, Poses Low Risk
Measures Taken By the Delhi Government
Given the current COVID situation in the county, measures are already in place by the Delhi government and their Department of Public Health. After the meeting called by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, all the government hospitals have been advised to rigorously monitor patients who are displaying symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI). Their samples are to be taken for routine RT-PCR testing and the ones that come out positive are to be relayed for Whole Genome Sequencing to determine the variant.
These advisories came out after the Union Health Department urged that the only way to combat the present situation. Both the states and the center need to be on alert, but there is no need to panic. It was also advised to initiate mock drills of hospital preparedness every three months, increase surveillance, and effective communication with healthcare professionals as well as the general public. The Union Health Minister Mandaviya reassured the states that they have all the support from the center.
