A BBMP vehicle sprays disinfectant in front of Vidhana Soudha, in front of Vidhana Soudha, in view of the possible spread of the COVID-19 variant Omicron, in Bengaluru, Tuesday, December 7, 2021.
Amid early signs of rise in COVID-19 cases as well as increasing detection of Omicron type in different parts of the country, the Center on Monday issued a fresh advisory to all states and union territories to deal with the pandemic situation. .
In the advisory, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said that states and union territories may consider imposing need based, local restrictions and restrictions to control the crowd during the festive season. Asking states and union territories not to let the guard down, he stressed that there should be a sustained focus on a five-fold strategy – test-track-treat-vaccination and avoid the possibility of a rise in Covid-19 For this, proper behavior of Kovid should be followed. matters, especially keeping in view the New Version of Concern (VOC).
He asked the states and UTs to refer to the order of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued on December 21 to ensure implementation of the measures laid down by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).
“The country has seen an overall decline in active cases. However, the new variant, Omicron, is reported to be at least three times more permeable than delta VOCs, and this poses a new challenge to COVID containment measures. has been,” said the communication. ,
Among the oomicron-driven countries, the Home Secretary said, the growth of cases has been very rapid and so far 578 omicron cases have been reported in 19 states and union territories in our country.
He said that cases of Omicron have already been reported in 116 countries globally. Apart from this, cases are also increasing in various countries, especially in the US, UK, Europe (France, Italy, Spain), Russia, South Africa, Vietnam, Australia etc.
In the MoHFW advisory dated December 21, Bhalla said that a standard framework has been provided and with the distinctive presence of the delta variant in several states and the detection of Omicron cases, greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and stricter and stricter measures are needed. the wanted. Prompt preventive action at local and district level based on the assessment of the situation.
The Home Secretary said that on December 23, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the COVID-19 situation, Omicron VOCs and preparedness of health systems across the country. After the review, the Prime Minister has directed that everyone should maintain a high level of vigilance and vigilance.
Bhalla said that the state governments should ensure that the health systems in the states are strengthened to meet any challenges posed by the new version. He said that the State Governments and Union Territory Administrations should ensure that the oxygen supply equipment is installed and fully functioning and that the buffer stock of essential medicines is maintained.
“I would like to reiterate that all states and union territories should follow all precautions, and not let the guard down. Local and district administrations, based on the standard framework and assessment of the situation, should immediately take appropriate containment measures States may consider imposing need-based, local restrictions and restrictions to control crowds during the festive season.”
Bhalla said that the state enforcement machinery should strictly enforce the norms of fair dealing with COVID.
With a view to discourage any misinformation with respect to the new VOCs, which creates concern among the public, all the States and Union Territories should organize frequent and regular media briefings at the highest level to disseminate correct information “
The Home Secretary said that the States and Union Territories should educate them about the various preventive measures taken by them and also advise them to strictly follow the appropriate behavior of COVID.
“Therefore, I urge you to issue necessary instructions to the districts and all other local authorities to take necessary measures for speedy and effective management of COVID-19, various advisories issued by MoHFW on new VOCs Strictly implement the appropriate treatment of COVID,” he said.
Read more: Biggest jump in Omicron cases in Delhi in last 24 hours, tally at 142; night curfew imposed
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