Mansukh Mandaviya directs officials to focus on high-case positivity districts and emphasizes vaccination acceleration
In a crucial meeting chaired by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, officials were directed to prioritize surveillance, whole genome sequencing, and testing to effectively monitor and control the spread of COVID-19. The minister emphasized the need to focus on districts with high case positivity rates, conduct adequate testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR tests, and ensure effective surveillance. The aim is to assess the spread of the infection in a timely manner and take necessary measures to curb it. Mandaviya also highlighted the importance of monitoring hospitalizations due to COVID-19 and severe respiratory infections.
Union Health Minister Stresses Surveillance and Testing to Monitor COVID-19 Spread
Vaccination acceleration was another key point discussed during the meeting. The minister urged officials to ramp up the pace of vaccination, including the administration of booster doses, particularly in districts reporting high numbers of cases. With sufficient vaccine doses available, Mandaviya emphasized the importance of minimizing vaccine wastage and ensuring that eligible and vulnerable groups receive priority for vaccination.
Omicron BA.2 sub-variant dominant in India, says INSACOG analysis
According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant has been found in over 83 percent of samples sequenced in May and June. This sub-variant has been the dominant circulating variant in India since January 2022. The meeting also highlighted the presence of other sub-lineages of the Omicron variant but in lower percentages. These findings underscore the importance of continuous surveillance and whole genome sequencing to identify any potential mutations and monitor the spread of different variants.
Detailed presentation on COVID-19 status and global surge in cases made during the meeting
The meeting included a detailed presentation by Health Ministry Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal on the global surge in COVID-19 cases and the status of the pandemic in India. The presentation covered various aspects such as the trend of COVID-19 cases, testing status, genome sequencing, and vaccination progress. It provided valuable insights into the current situation and helped shape strategies for effective control and prevention measures.
