The health ministry in its guidelines stressed the need for maintaining optimal testing and that it is equitably distributed across the states.
Health Ministry New Guidelines Amid Spike In COVID Cases: Amid the ongoing spike in COVID cases, the health ministry on Saturday released a new set of guidelines for states and Union Territories to curb the transmission of the virus. The ministry highlighted that there was not enough tests were being done by the states and UTs. The ministry released a statement to the states and UTs which read, “In the past several weeks, in some states, Covid-19 testing has declined and the current testing levels are insufficient as compared to the standards prescribed by WHO i.e 140 tests/million. Testing at the level of districts and blocks also varies, with some states heavily relying on the less sensitive rapid antigen tests.”
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The health ministry in its guidelines stressed the need for maintaining optimal testing and that it is equitably distributed across the states. “This is especially important to identify any emerging hotspots and take pre-emptive steps to curb virus transmission,” the order read.
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The government also took note of the influenza virus which has seen a spike in recent months and its similarities with the COVID virus which makes the diagnosis bit tricky for doctors. “While this may present a clinical dilemma for the attending doctors in terms of diagnosis, this also renders both these diseases easily preventable by following simple public health measures like avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, maintaining hand hygiene, etc,” the health ministry said.
Key Points From The Health Ministry Advisory
- Avoiding overcrowded and poorly ventilated settings, particularly by co-morbid persons and the elderly
- Wearing of masks by doctors, paramedics and other healthcare workers as well as patients and their attendants within healthcare facilities
- Wearing masks in crowded and closed settings
- Using a handkerchief or tissue to cover the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing
- Maintaining hand hygiene and frequent washing of hands
- Avoiding spitting in public places
- Promoting testing and early reporting of symptoms
- Limiting personal contact if suffering from respiratory diseases
The health ministry also announced that it will conduct a mock drill on April 10 and April 11 wherein health facilities (both public and private) from all districts are expected to participate. The details of the mock-drill will be communicated to the states in a virtual meeting scheduled on March 27.
