Center asks states to focus on five fold strategy as Corona cases increase globally
Citing the resurgence of the coronavirus in parts of Southeast Asia and Europe, the central government has asked states to resume surveillance for influenza-like illness and severe respiratory infections to ensure that any early outbreaks that occur can be contained. Signs could not be ignored and Covid cases should remain under control.
Investigation of cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Respiratory Infection (SARI) have been pillars of COVID management for the government. However, its testing was stopped recently, because the cases of Covid-19 are coming down in India. As a part of enhanced surveillance, COVID testing of hospitalized patients suffering from ILI and SARI will be conducted and infected samples will be sent for genome sequencing.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter, has asked all states and union territories to ensure that sufficient number of samples are submitted to the INSACOG network for timely detection of the forms of Covid. In his letter, the Union Health Secretary has given five-point instructions to the states for testing, tracking, treatment, vaccination and following the Covid protocol.
He also stressed on continuing the investigation as per protocol, following all precautions and not giving up vigil while resuming economic and social activities.
Bhushan said in the letter that if new clusters of cases are emerging, effective monitoring should be done and ILI and SARI cases should be investigated and monitored as per the rules so that no early signs of any kind are ignored and there is no risk of Covid infection. He said that the state machinery should create necessary awareness and ensure adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.
