New Delhi: Stating that Covid19 pandemic is still not over, Union Health Ministry on Friday asked eight States Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana, and Delhi to remain cautious against laxity at any level, which may nullify the gains made in pandemic management so far.
Following the rise in Covid 19 cases in several States, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan sent separate letters to eight States witnessing a spike in Covid cases. In his letter, Bhushan said, "It is critical to ensure timely and regular updation of data to assist in accurate monitoring of the situation. It is essential that the State must maintain a strict watch and take pre-emptive action if required in any area of concern to control any emerging spread of infection."
Assuring that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare will continue to provide requisite support to the States in these ongoing and collective efforts, Bhushan further said.
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India has been witnessing a consistent rise in Covid19 cases since March 2023, with 10,262 cases reported in the week ending April 20, 2023. "A rise in positivity rate has also been noted across the country, with 5.5 percent positivity reported in the week ending April 19, against 4.7 per cent positivity reported in the previous week. This is a cause of concern," Bhushan said.
Quoting statistics, Bhushan said that Uttar Pradesh has reported an increase in weekly cases from 279 in the week ending April 13, 2023, to 696 in the week ending April 20, 2023. Tamil Nadu has reported an increase in weekly cases from 356 in the week ending April 13, 2023, to 510 in the week ending April 20, 2023. The state reported a positivity rate of 6 percent in the week ending April 19, 2023, which is higher than India's positivity rate of 5.5 percent during the same period. Similarly, all remaining six States have also witnessed an increase in weekly cases as well as positivity rate.
