Amid spike in Covid-19, influenza cases, Health Ministry issues fresh guidelines: ‘Avoid overcrowding, wear masks’

Re-emphasising the need for robust testing, the statement noted that in the past several weeks, in some states, Covid-19 testing has declined and the current testing levels are insufficient as compared to the standards prescribed by WHO i.e 140 tests/million

In view of a fresh spike, Health Ministry has issued a fresh advisory (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)

In wake of the recent “gradual” but “sustained increase” in Covid-19 cases, India’s Health Ministry released a new set of guidelines for states and Union Territories (UTs) to curb the transmission of the virus. It also noted the need to increase awareness regarding hand hygiene practices.

The advisory, a copy of which was posted on Twitter by public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, read, “Most of the active Covid-19 cases in the country are largely being reported by a few states like Kerala (26.4 per cent), Maharashtra (21.7 per cent), Gujarat (13.9 per cent), Karnataka (8.6 per cent), and Tamil Nadu (6.3 per cent). While the rates of hospitalisation and death due to the disease remains low, largely because of the significant coverage achieved in terms of Covid-19 vaccination rates by all States/UTs, this gradual rise in cases needs reinvigorated public health actions to contain the surge.”

Dr Rajiv Bahl, DG ICMR and Rajesh Bhushan Secretary, @MoHFW_INDIA write to all States & UTs to maintain optimum testing for COVID-19 in view of recent uptick in COVID-19 cases in the country pic.twitter.com/pcAkWZZbnm

— Prasar Bharati News Services & Digital Platform (@PBNS_India) March 25, 2023

Considering that the influenza virus which has seen a spike in recent months shows similarities with the Covid virus which makes the diagnosis, clinically a “dilemma for doctors”, the statement mentioned that public health measures can “easily prevent” these conditions. “While this may present a clinical dilemma for the attending doctors in terms of diagnosis, this also renders both these diseases easily preventable by following simple public health measures like avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, maintaining hand hygiene, etc,” the health ministry said.

Wear masks in public places. (Express photo by Praveen Khanna)

Emphasising the need for robust testing, the statement noted that in the past several weeks, in some states, Covid-19 testing has declined and the current testing levels are insufficient as compared to the standards prescribed by WHO i.e 140 tests/million. “Testing at the level of districts and blocks also varies, with some states heavily relying on the less sensitive rapid antigen tests,” it noted.

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It also added that testing is especially important to “identify any emerging hotspots and take pre-emptive steps to curb virus transmission”.

The advisory also listed ways to curb the transmission of diseases by following respiratory and hand hygiene practices:

*Avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, particularly by co-morbid persons and the elderly
*Wearing of masks by doctors, paramedics and other healthcare workers as well as patients and their attendants within healthcare facilities
*Wearing masks in crowded and closed settings
*Using a handkerchief or tissue to cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
*Maintaining hand hygiene and frequent washing of hands
*Avoiding spitting in public places
*Promoting testing and early reporting of symptoms
*Limiting personal contact if suffering from respiratory diseases

Also Read | Effective face mask practices to reduce spread of Covid-19, including new variants

Dr Anurag Saxena, HOD- Internal Medicine, Primus Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi also stressed that the resurgence in cases underscores the importance of taking precautions to protect ourselves and others. “We must continue to wear masks, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings. We must also prioritise getting vaccinated as soon as possible, as the vaccine remains the most effective tool we have in the fight against COVID-19,” he said.

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The ministry further stated that it will conduct a mock drill on April 10 and April 11 wherein health facilities (both public and private) from all districts are expected to participate. The details of the mock-drill are to be communicated to the states in a virtual meeting scheduled on March 27, 2023.

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