PM Modi Calls For Ramping Up Genome Sequencing, Precautions in High-level Meeting on Covid

India, on Wednesday, recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday held a high-level to review the covid situation and public health preparedness. During the meeting, the prime minister called for ramping up Genome Sequencing and emphasised the need for lab surveillance, genome testing and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness cases.

During the meeting, a comprehensive presentation was made covering the global Covid situation including the rising cases in India by Secretary, Health, Rajesh Bhushan. The prime minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a slight rise in new cases with average daily cases reported as 888 and weekly positivity reported as 0.98 per cent in the week ending March 22. However, 1.08 lakh daily average cases have been reported globally during the same week.

The action taken on the directions given by Modi during the last Covid review held on December 22, 2022 was also briefed, the statement said. He was informed that availability and prices of 20 main Covid drugs, 12 other drugs, eight buffer drugs and one influenza drug is being monitored.

A mock drill was also conducted on December 27, 2022 in 22,000 hospitals, and many remedial measures taken by hospitals thereafter. The prime minister was apprised on the influenza situation in the country particularly with respect to higher number of cases of H1N1 and H3N2 being noted in last few months.

PM Modi directed officials to enhance whole genome sequencing of positive samples with the designated INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories. This will support tracking of newer variants, if any, and timely response, the PMO said.

The prime minister emphasized Covid-appropriate behaviour including wearing of masks in hospital premises by both patients, health professionals and health workers.
He also stressed that wearing of masks is advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas, the statement said.

India, on Wednesday, recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five deaths. One death each has been reported by Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra while one fatality was reconciled by Kerala, the data updated at 8 am stated. The daily positivity was recorded at 1.09 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.98 per cent.

India’s Current Covid Status:

• India recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, while the active cases increased to 7,026 on Wednesday.
• The death toll climbed to 5,30,813 with five deaths
• Deaths were reported from Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat and Maharashtra and one reconciled by Kerala
• The daily positivity was recorded at 1.09 per cent while the weekly positivity was pegged at 0.98 per cent.
• The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.46 crore (4,46,98,118).
• The active cases now comprise 0.02 per cent of the total infections
• The national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.79 per cent
• A total of 92.05 crore tests for detection of Covid have been conducted so far
• The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 4,41,60,279 while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.19 per cent.
• 220.65 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.