Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today chaired a high-level meeting to review the COVID-19 situation in the country and the preparedness of the public health system for surveillance, containment, and management. The meeting was held in view of the recent spike in cases of COVID-19 in China, Japan, South Korea, France, and the United States.
Underlining the challenges posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries, Dr. Mandaviya noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains of COVID-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season. The Health Minister directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen surveillance. He also urged people to follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour and get vaccinated against COVID. He added, the Government is prepared to manage any situation.
During the meeting, Dr. Mandaviya also asked the official to strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country. He added that this would facilitate the undertaking of appropriate public health measures.
