Amid a surge in Covid-19 cases in China and other countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that the continuously evolving nature of coronavirus poses threat to global health.
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Mandaviya added that the threat from the ever-evolving coronavirus impacts virtually every country.
Mandaviya informed the Lok Sabha that all the states and Union territories have been asked to increase Covid-19 surveillance and Covid-appropriate behaviour such as mask usage among people.
Moreover, Mandaviya further asked states to remain alert and create awareness about wearing face masks and using hand sanitisers, especially in view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations.
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Mandaviya said India has been reporting 153 new cases on an average every day as against 5.87 lakh on a daily basis across the world.
"In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within the community on adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour which includes use of masks, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing," said Mandaviya, adding that states have been advised to focus on heightened surveillance within the community and to undertake requisite control and containment measures.
Mandaviya said states have also been advised to increase the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases for timely detection of any new variant.
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Mandaviya said states should ensure the coverage of Covid-19 vaccine's precaution doses are increased and awareness about them raised.
Mandaviya also said 2 per cent random sampling of all international passengers has already started from Thursday at all international airports to minimise the risk of ingress of any new variant into the country.
(With PTI inputs)
