New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over Covid resurgence in some countries, the situation in India was reviewed at a top level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi who cautioned against complacency and asked officials to ensure strict vigil, especially on incoming foreign travellers.
At the meeting, attended by senior ministers and officials, Modi advised adherence to Covid appropriate behavior, including wearing of Mask.
He stressed on Precaution (Booster) dose vaccination for elderly and vulnerable population groups.
The Prime Minister assessed the preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, status of the vaccination campaign in the country and the emergence of new Covid-19 variants and their public health implications for the country.
A comprehensive presentation was made regarding the global Covid-19 situation, including the rising cases in countries, an official statement said tonight.
Prime Minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases with average daily cases falling to 153 and weekly positivity down to 0.14% in the week ending 22nd Dec, 2022.
However, 5.9 lakh daily average cases have been reported globally since the last 6 weeks.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Covid is not over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at the international airports.
He stressed the need to ensure that the entire Covid infrastructure at all levels is maintained at a high level of preparedness in terms of equipment, processes and human resources.
He advised States to audit Covid specific facilities to ensure operational readiness of Hospital Infrastructure, including Oxygen Cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators and human resources.
Prime Minister directed officials to ramp up testing and also genomic sequencing efforts.
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.
This will support timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and facilitate undertaking requisite public health measures.
Prime Minister urged everyone to follow Covid appropriate behaviour at all times, especially in view of the upcoming festive season, including wearing masks in crowded public places.
Prime Minister also urged that that precaution dose may be encouraged especially for vulnerable and elderly groups.
Prime Minister was informed that there is adequate availability with regard to medicines, vaccines and hospital beds.
He advised to regularly monitor availability and prices of essential medicines.
Highlighting the globally appreciated work of the frontline healthcare workers, Prime Minister exhorted them to continue working in the same selfless and dedicated manner.
The meeting was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and top officials of various ministries and departments.
