New Delhi: Amid some respite following improvement in the Covid-19 situation in India, a spike in cases in Maharastra and Kerala has put the Union Health Ministry into a tizzy. Health Ministry statistics show that 53 per cent of the total cases have been reported in both the states. Aware of the situation, the Centre has rushed a six-men Central team to Kerala to support the state government in controlling the Covid situation.
The situation in Kerala has further worsened following the detection of the Zika virus. "We have taken a stock of the situation. We are in constant touch with the state government over the situation," said Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Health Ministry in New Delhi. Agarwal said that the Central team that has been sent to Kerala is comprised of public health experts, AIIMS officials and others.
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The Health Ministry has also expressed concern over the fact that people have been found violating social distancing norms, especially in hill stations. "We have seen that people have started mixing and mingling while visiting hill stations and tourists destinations. The fact is that our war against the Covid-19 pandemic is not yet over. We suggest the district administrations enforce restrictions so that the spread of infections can be checked," said Agarwal.
He also said that all people should adhere to the Covid appropriate behaviour. "Covid appropriate behaviour is uniformly applicable and all people should adhere to it," said Agarwal while referring to the reports that a section of people especially political leaders on many occasions found violating social distancing norms. Referring to the Kanwar Yatra as planned by the Uttar Pradesh government, Agarwal said that whatever is done "it should be done adhering Covid appropriate behaviour."
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Health Ministry statistics said that 66 districts in India reported more than 10 per cent positivity for the week ending July 8. Significantly, the number of districts reporting 100 daily cases have come down to 86 from 262 on June 2. Agarwal said that many countries have again reinforced lockdown following a spike in cases. Echoing the same view, Dr VK Paul, chairman of the national task force on Covid-19 said that laxity on our measures can again take us back to level zero in our fight against Covid-19.
"We need tourism as well as livelihood. But it should be done with precautions. If we are not alert, we may again face serious challenges," said Dr Paul, who is also a Niti Aayog member. On a question over vaccines for children between 12-18 years of age, Dr Paul said that Zydus Cadila has submitted the data of the phase 3 clinical trial to India's drug regulator, DCGI.
"The Zydus Cadila has submitted their data of phase 3 trial to the regulator. Once we get more clarity, the next step can be taken," said Dr Paul. Referring to the Moderna vaccines, Dr Paul said that the Central government is in talks with the manufacturers. "Discussion is on with the manufacturers regarding import of the vaccine. We also need to develop contractual standing with the manufacturers," Dr Paul said.
When asked about the presence of the Lambda virus in India, Dr Paul denied its presence stating that INSACOG is looking into the matter. "Lambda is a variant of interest. It was originated in Peru accounting for 80 per cent of Covid cases in that country. However, there is no proof of the presence of the Lambda virus in India," said Dr Paul. Notably, Lambda virus, another Covid-19 variant, has been found in 25 countries.
On the availability of vaccines in India, Dr Paul said that it depends on the production of vaccines and at the same time there should be a well-calibrated approach in its utilisation. Health Ministry statistics said India's average vaccination rate now reached 41.61 lakh in July. India has administered a total of 36.9 crore Covid-19 doses till date.
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