PM Modi Holds High Level Meeting On Covid, Influenza, Says Pandemic Is Far From Over

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a high level meeting on the situation of Covid, Influenza - Flu in the country.
The meeting, held at the Prime Minister's Office, was attended by Dr VK Pal, Member, Health, NITI Aayog and Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Senior of the Prime Minister's Office and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
In the meeting, a presentation was made on the Covid situation in the country and the future strategy was discussed.
7673 Covid vaccines have been administered during the last 24 hours. With this, 220.65 crore Covid vaccines have been administered in the country.

A comprehensive presentation was made covering the global Covid-19 situation including the rising cases in India by Secretary, Health, MoHFW. 

PM apprised on Influenza situation

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.

Enhance Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples

Prime Minister 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.

Follow Covid appropriate behaviour

PM 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.
Further, Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure availability of required Drugs & Logistics for Influenza & Covid-19 across Health Facilities along with availability of sufficient beds & health human resources.

Covid-19 pandemic is far from over

He highlighted that Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and there is a need to monitor the status across the country on regular basis. Prime Minister advised to continue focusing on 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination & Covid Appropriate Behaviour, enhance Lab Surveillance & testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. Mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that our hospitals are ready for all exigencies.

Prime Minister exhorted community to follow respiratory hygiene & to adhere to Covid appropriate behavior in crowded public places.

1134 new Corona cases, 5 succumb

In last 24 hours, 1134 new cases of corona have been reported in India. While 5 people died. 662 patients got cured. At the same time, the number of active cases has increased to 7026. 103831 Covid infection tests have been done in the same period.
Maharashtra saw 280 cases in the last 24 hours. 1 infected died. 1489 patients are being treated, while Gujarat saw 176 new cases and 1 patient died. 916 are being treated. Kerala and karnataka also got 113 cases each, while 1 patient died in Kerala. 

Cases of H3N2 Influenza virus have also increased

Along with the sudden increase in corona cases, the cases of H3N2 Influenza virus have also increased. The Union Health Ministry last Monday held a meeting with top health experts from major hospitals in the country to discuss the rising cases of H3N2 influenza. The increasing cases of influenza were discussed in this.