Step up surveillance, wear masks, warns Union Health Minister amid COVID-19 concerns

With COVID-19 cases rising in many pockets of the globe, India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has asked states to remain alert and step up surveillance.

During the ongoing Lok Sabha session, Mandaviya extolled the importance of masking and sanitising as the threat of a fresh wave of infections looms large, especially as festivals and new year celebrations roll around. The minister added that the continuously evolving nature of the virus poses threat to global health.

"In view of upcoming festivals and new year celebrations, states also need to focus on ensuring effective awareness within the community on adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour which includes use of masks, hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene practices, besides following physical distancing," Mandaviya said.


States have also been advised to increase genome sequencing for all positive cases, in a bid to detect newer variants as quickly as possible.

Additionally, the Union Minister stressed upon all the usual COVID-19 measures, asking states to ensure the coverage of COVID-19 vaccine's precaution dose and raise awareness about them.

With a 2% random sampling of international passengers underway at all international airports in the country, the first of the new measures are in action.