Mandaviya asks states to stay alert, identify emergency hotspots

The XBB.1.16 Covid sub-variant has been displacing other dominant variants in India, with its share increasing from 21.6% in February to 35.8% in March among the samples sequenced, according to data given by the ministry. However, there has been no increase in hospitalisation and mortality, the ministers were informed.

India has been recording on average 4,188 Covid-19 cases daily in April, with the number crossing the 6,000-mark on Friday. There were 13 deaths in the last 24 hours across the country, according to the data shared in the meeting. The average daily cases have risen to 4,188 in the week ending April 7 from 571 in the week ending March 17, the ministry said in a statement.

Kerala, Maharashtra and Delhi have reported over 10% positivity rate in more than 10 districts. Over 5% positivity rate has been recorded in more than five districts of Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Haryana.

Keeping the high number of cases in mind, the states have been asked to increase testing from the current 100 tests per million. According to the data, 23 states and union territories have reported less tests per million than the national average. The health minister urged the states to increase vaccination among eligible people, especially those at high risk such as elderly and people with co-morbid conditions.

Over 90% of the eligible population over the age of 12 years has already received the two primary doses of vaccines.

Along with enhancing genome sequencing and ramping up whole genome sequencing of positive samples, he also emphasised on creating awareness about following Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Union minister for state Bharati Pravin Pawar, who was also present in the meeting, asked the states to review preparedness, availability of beds, oxygen support, ventilators and human resource and said funds under Emergency Covid Response Package (ECRP II) can be utilised to revamp infrastructure on priority.

She also asked states to strengthen their monitoring mechanism and be on alert in view of the rise in tourism.

The meeting was attended by Puducherry chief minister N Rangaswamy and health ministers of several states including Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu among others.