Centre asks states to take all preventive measures amid Covid-19 upsurge

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday asked states to take all preventive measures amid an upsurge of Covid-19 cases in the country, but said there was no need to panic.

The Minister was speaking while virtually chairing a high-level review meeting in New Delhi with Health Ministers of various states and Union Territories on the preparedness of health facilities and services.

According to the Health Ministry, there are 2300 active cases of Covid-19, including 16 deaths that have been reported in the country in the last two weeks.

Kerala has reported 292 new active cases of Covid-19 and three deaths on December 19, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Mandaviya said, "The government is always prepared to support all states and union territories to beat the health diseases and we have asked that state to conduct mock drills in all hospitals once every three months.

"It is time to work together in a "Whole of Government". We need to be on the alert, but there is no need to panic," the Minister said.

Mandaviya also stressed increased surveillance and effective communication with people.

During the meeting, all state representatives briefed the Minister about the preparedness in their respective states.

The meeting was conducted because of the recent upsurge in respiratory diseases such as influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory illness, including Covid-19.

Minister of State for Health SP Singh Baghel, DG of ICMR Delhi Dr Rajeev Bhal, and NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul were also present in the meeting. (UNI)