New Delhi, December 20: As Covid-19 cases surge in five states—Kerala, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, and Karnataka—Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya led a high-level meeting on Wednesday with top officials and chief health secretaries.
Addressing the escalating situation, Mandaviya emphasized the need for unwavering preparedness, stating, “There should be no laxity in our preparedness. There is no room for politics when it comes to public health. The Union Health ministry is available for every support.” He assured complete central support to the affected states, highlighting a ‘whole of government’ approach in their collaborative efforts.
Mandaviya proposed regular mock drills in hospitals to ensure preparedness for handling a surge in Covid cases, stating, “We need to be on alert but there is no need to panic. It is important to hold mock drills to ensure the preparedness of hospitals, increased surveillance, and effective communication with people.”
He urged states to take preventive measures, especially with the approaching cold weather and year-end festivities. The minister emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and implementing necessary precautions.
Regarding Kerala’s highest number of cases with a 21 percent positivity rate, state Health Minister Veena George reported increased surveillance, enhanced testing, and regular reviews of hospital preparedness. She advised vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities, to wear masks.
The meeting included key figures such as Dr. Rajiv Bahl, director of ICMR, Dr. VK Paul, member of Niti Aayog, and Dr. Saumya Swaminathan, former DG of ICMR.
Kerala, on the same day, reported three Covid deaths and 292 fresh cases in the last 24 hours, as per data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. However, the state government did not officially confirm the fatalities due to Covid.
Amid the detection of the new JN.1 subvariant of Covid-19 in Kerala, Health Minister Veena George reassured the public, stating, “There’s no need to worry. We are closely monitoring the situation. However, we should all stay alert, and those battling comorbidities should take necessary precautions.”
Nationwide, the total reported Covid cases till 8 am on Wednesday were 341, with Kerala alone accounting for 292. The total number of active Covid cases in the country is currently at 2,311, and the total number of fatalities since the arrival of the pandemic in India stands at 5,33,321, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
