Centre reviews Covid-19 preparedness; recommends mock drills, increased testing

New Delhi, March 27: Centre on Monday reviewed the public health preparedness for the management of Covid-19 and Covid-19 vaccination progress with states. It further advised states to strengthen surveillance with a focus on whole genome sequencing of positive samples.

States have also been asked to increase testing with RT-PCR tests and undertake mock drills to ensure operational readiness of hospitals infrastructure including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators and human resources.

"Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour continue to remain the tested strategy for Covid management," Centre said.

Moreover, India has seen a spike in Covid-19 cases, with average daily cases climbing to 966 in the week ending March 23 from 313 in the week ending March 3. Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate has soared to 1.08 percent during the same time.

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Moreover, in the last 24 hours, India has recorded 1,890 fresh cases, the highest in 210 days. 

The cases have risen by 78% in the last week as compared previously, while the country reported 29 deaths during the period, up from 19.

Earlier, on Saturday, the case count was the highest reported in the country since October 22, 2022, when 1,988 fresh infections were recorded.

The states like Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi and other states are put on high alert. According to Union Health Ministry and state authorities, they do not want to leave any chance in controlling the pandemic.

As per the reports, Covid-19 cases are increasing rapidly in Maharashtra, Kerala, Gujarat, Delhi and other states. 

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