NEW DELHI, Sept 19 (NNN-PTI) – India’s federal government, yesterday asked states to undertake in-depth analysis of the COVID-19 situation, strengthen health infrastructure, increase stock of essential medicines and augment human resources.
The directions were issued during a virtual meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary, Rajiv Gauba, to review the COVID-19 management and response strategy.
“He reminded the states that, there is no room for complacency and stressed on the need to strictly enforce COVID-19 Appropriate Behaviour,” the Health Ministry said.
Citing examples from other countries that saw multiple peaks of COVID-19, Gauba expressed concern over certain pockets in the country, reporting high test positivity.
“He advised the state health administrators to undertake granular analysis of their COVID-19 trajectory, ramp up their health infrastructure, undertake stocking of essential medicine and augment human resources at the earliest, to meet any potential surge in cases,” the ministry said.
Meanwhile, in view of the forthcoming festival season, the Health Ministry said, the states were directed to ensure all necessary precautions and effective enforcement for avoidance of mass gatherings and congested closed spaces.
“Existing guidelines regarding malls, local markets, and places of worship are to be strictly followed. States were urged to undertake effective IEC for promotion of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and COVID safe festivities,” the ministry said.
It instructed those states to closely monitor the case trajectories in all districts, on a daily basis, to identify early warning signals and ensure imposition of restrictions, if necessary.– NNN-PTI
