New Delhi: The Union Health Secretary has written to Maharashtra, Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and West Bengal urging them to take steps to curb the spike in COVID-19 cases amid the upsurge in the number of daily news cases in recent days.
The States have been advised to maintain a ‘strict vigil’ and to take steps to keep a check on the rising cases, especially given the new strain of the virus being observed in certain countries which have also been reported in a few States in India.
The Health Secretary has drawn the attention of the States to the low and declining testing rates in the States, stating that any laxity at this crucial junction may squander the results of our collective actions in containing the transmission.
As per the PIB press release, they have been advised to analyze the surge at the district and sub-district levels to understand the reasons for this rise and plan adequate measures proactively to curb the same. Aggressive implementation of the ‘Test-Track-Treat” strategy adopted by the country has been strongly advised now more than ever by the Union Health Secretary.
The health authorities in the States have also been advised to proactively promote the wearing of masks and other COVID-appropriate behaviors even while the vaccination drive is about to begin. It is important to ensure that there is no complacency in the collective efforts in containment and management of CIOVID19, the Health Secretary has strongly reiterated.
The States have been assured of all necessary support of the Health Ministry required to manage the pandemic. The four states comprise 59 percent of the total active cases in the country.