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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Avoid crowded places: Union Health Ministry amid surge in COVID-19 cases
Live Events ReplyForward (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel With Covid-19 cases surging significantly, the Union ministry of health has advised people to avoid crowded places when unwell and practice hand hygiene.A series of technical review meetings were held on early this week under the chairmanship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with representatives of Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Central Government Hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all States and UTs to evaluate the current Covid-19 situation and preparedness measures, official sources has so far reported 4302 cases, with an increase of 864 cases in the past 24 hours-While most cases are mild and managed under home care, the surveillance has been intensified. State and District surveillance units under IDSP are closely monitoring Influenza Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases, sources further said that 'Positive SARI samples are sent for genome sequencing'..Since January 1, 44 deaths have been reported so far. 'These have happened in those with pre existing illnesses'. Union Health Ministry has been closely monitoring the situation and instructed the states to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.A mock drill assessing oxygen supply systems (PSA plants, LMO tanks, MGPS lines) was also conducted on June 2.'Facility-level preparedness mock drills are planned for June 4 and 5'.Individuals with acute respiratory illness have been advised to self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
India Today
a day ago
- General
- India Today
Kerala issues revised Covid-19 guidelines, mandates mock drills as cases surge
With 1,373 active Covid-19 cases and nine deaths confirmed across Kerala, the Health Department has issued a new set of instructions to hospitals and healthcare workers, both public and private, urging immediate preparedness, heightened surveillance, and strict implementation of treatment DRILLS MADE MANDATORYAll government and private healthcare institutions have been directed to conduct Mock Drills to assess their preparedness for a potential surge in cases. A Google Form has been provided for online submission of drill TREATMENT PROTOCOLS, RED FLAGSHospitals have been asked to follow the revised ABC Guidelines 03, issued in June 2023, when treating patients with Covid-19 and influenza symptoms. Health workers must remain alert to red flag symptoms like breathlessness, chest pain, drowsiness, low blood pressure, hemoptysis, and cyanosis in adults. In children, warning signs include persistent high fever, feeding difficulty, somnolence, convulsions, and respiratory AND ISOLATION MEASURES All patients admitted with symptoms of ILI (Influenza-Like Illness), ARI (Acute Respiratory Infection), or SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) must be tested for Covid-19. If Rapid Antigen Tests return negative, RT-PCR tests are mandatory. District RT-PCR facilities must be fully utilsed, the department and influenza patients must be isolated in separate wards or rooms, to avoid UP, STAY SAFEThe department has reinforced mask mandates, especially for high-risk individuals, including the elderly, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Patients, their companions, hospital staff, and anyone with flu-like symptoms in relief camps must wear masks at all TOLD TO LIMIT VISITORS, UPGRADE FACILITIESadvertisementTo reduce transmission, hospitals have been asked to limit the number of bystanders and visitors. Covid-19 testing must be conducted for any bystanders or health workers showing must also gear up infrastructure, ensuring sufficient supplies of oxygen, medicines, PPE (N-95 masks, gloves, aprons), oxygen-supported beds, ventilators, and ICU AWARENESS AND SURVEILLANCEThe public is encouraged to follow basic preventive measures, mask usage, cough hygiene, and frequent handwashing, especially in crowded or public Surveillance Units have been instructed to monitor ILI/ARI/SARI case trends and ensure IHIP-IDSP reporting from both government and private Covid-19 looms again, authorities are urging both institutions and the public to act swiftly and InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala
The Hindu
2 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Dakshina Kannada reports three COVID-19 cases, all patients discharged after recovery, says DHO
Dakshina Kannada reported three COVID-19 positive cases in May, and all three patients, who were women (aged 64, 57, and 29), have recovered and been discharged, according to H.R. Thimmaiah, District Health and Family Welfare Officer. Addressing the media persons here on Tuesday, he said that one of the patients was admitted to a hospital, and the other two received treatment at their homes. Assuring that people need not panic about the spread of COVID-19, he said that people should not believe in rumours. Presently, COVID-19 is not a matter of serious concern in the district, he said. Testing only at Wenlock Hospital Dr. Thimmaiah said that samples to confirm COVID-19 positive cases in the district will have to be tested only at the laboratory of Government Wenlock Hospital here. Laboratories at the private hospitals are not authorised to test the samples now. The government has given a clear instruction on the same. The sample test at the Wenlock Hospital began on Tuesday. The DHO said that sample testing for COVID-19 will be done in all cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI). Random tests, up to 5%, will be done in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases. Dr. Thimmaiah said that the Health Department is prepared to face COVID-19 with the necessary facilities. It has 5,000 test kits, six liquid oxygen plants, 213 jumbo oxygen cylinders and other facilities like functional ICU beds, nebulisers and ventilators in addition to the 480 oxygenated beds at the Wenlock Hospital.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Health
- Indian Express
Covid 19 this year: Over 100 cases in Pune, 500 in Mumbai
Maharashtra has so far reported a total of 873 Covid-19 cases, of which more than 100 are in Pune, while close to 500 are in Mumbai. While a district-wise analysis is underway at the health department, officials said they were following strict guidelines issued by the Union government and not testing everyone for SARS-CoV2 virus. This year, ten deaths have been reported till date. 'We are testing samples of patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and 5 percent of those with Influenza-like Illness (ILI),' Dr Babita Kamalapurkar, joint director of health, Maharashtra told The Indian Express. In Pune, health authorities said that overall, there were 108 cases of Covid-19. A total of 12,011 samples suspected of Covid-19 have been screened, of which 873 have tested positive. Of these, 369 persons have recovered. On Monday, the state health department logged in 59 new cases of which 20 were from Mumbai, four from Thane, one from Pune rural areas, 17 from Pune Municipal Corporation areas, two each from Pimpri Chinchwad, Satara, Kolhapur, one from Sangli and eight from Sambhajinagar. A circular was also issued on Monday by the public health department secretaries Nipun Vinayak and Virendra Singh, instructing district surveillance units to closely monitor the SARI/ILI cases. Samples that have tested positive for Covid-19 will be sent to the regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories for whole genome sequencing. A clear message has been relayed in the circular that advises elderly persons and those with co-morbid conditions to avoid large gatherings or alternatively wear a face mask. There has been seasonal upswings and a slow but steady rise in acute respiratory infections across the country, health officials said. More than 90 per cent cases are from Kerala, Maharashtra, New Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Covid cases, according to officials, largely have mild symptoms like fever, cough and sore throat. However, health authorities have now advised medical colleges and hospitals and corporations to ensure preparedness that includes adequate number of hospital ward and ICU beds, PSA plants and also conduct mock drills.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
With Covid-19 cases rising again in India, what precautions are states taking?
In light of the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across India, with 3,395 active cases currently, several states have begun implementing precautionary measures and issuing guidelines to help prevent the spread of new Omicron subvariants. These variants were identified through genome sequencing conducted primarily in the western and southern parts of the country. Rajiv Behl, Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), told PTI that the increase in infections is being driven by subvariants of Omicron that are less severe. Behl said, 'Four subvariants of Omicron — LF.7, XFG, JN.1, and NB.1.8.1 — have been found. The first three have been found in more cases.' He further added, 'We have been closely monitoring the situation. At this moment, overall, we should monitor, be vigilant but there is no cause to worry.' Meanwhile, on Friday, Union minister of state for health and AYUSH (Independent Charge) Prataprao Jadhav assured the public that the central government is fully prepared to manage any potential situation. He told ANI, 'Both our Central Health Department and the AYUSH Ministry are fully alert and closely monitoring the situation across all states. We have spoken with the respective Health and AYUSH Secretaries, as well as other concerned ministers.' Jadhav also highlighted that the infrastructure developed during the previous Covid-19 waves has been reassessed, and preparations are already in motion. 'We've reviewed the infrastructure built during the earlier Covid waves, such as oxygen plants and ICU beds, and have already begun preparations. Our health systems are well-equipped and ready to handle any situation that may arise in response to Covid,' he said. In response to the growing number of Covid-19 cases in Karnataka, the department of health and family welfare services on Saturday appealed to the public to remain calm, alert, and cooperate with health authorities to curb the spread and maintain safety. An advisory was sent to Health Care Workers (HCWs) in both Covid and non-Covid healthcare areas across the state. The health department emphasised that Karnataka is actively tracking and managing the situation by focusing on prevention, early detection, and patient care. As Covid trends can shift, continued vigilance and adherence to guidelines remain essential. The advisory listed key instructions for healthcare staff: regularly screen and report cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), and cases with co-morbidities through the P-Form on the IDSP-IHIP platform. It also instructed that all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases be referred for RT-PCR testing at designated facilities, with same-day sample shipping. Testing is mandatory for high-risk groups — children, the elderly, and pregnant women — if symptoms are present. The department stressed the importance of timely uploading of test data on the IHIP portal and monitoring positivity rates and CT values. Covid-positive SARI samples should be sent to designated regional VRDLs for Whole Genome Sequencing in line with INSACOG guidelines. It also highlighted the importance of coordinating with authorities for sewage surveillance and maintaining everyday life while adhering to health advisories. "Call toll-free helpline number 1800 425 8330 for health advice, and 108 for emergency patient transport. Together, we can quickly identify and control potential illnesses, keeping ourselves and our people safe," the advisory said. On May 23, the Delhi government issued an advisory asking hospitals to ensure they are ready with sufficient beds, oxygen, medications, and vaccines to deal with rising Covid cases. Chief minister Rekha Gupta reassured the public on Thursday, saying, "19 Covid patients are hospitalised in Delhi, but there is no need to worry. The Delhi government is alert and hospitals are prepared to deal with any eventuality," she said. The advisory instructed that all medical equipment — including ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA units — must be in working condition. "All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) must be in functional condition," it added. In Odisha, Health Secretary Aswathy S addressed the public on Saturday, asking them not to panic and confirming that all Covid patients in the state are stable. "The latest ICMR report says that the present variant does not exhibit severe symptoms, and most cases are mild. Also, the Centre has not issued any guidelines, but advised all to remain vigilant in the wake of the changing weather," she said. She also assured that the state government is taking all necessary steps to handle the situation. Public health director Nilakantha Mishra said authorities are closely watching the case trends to stop further transmission. He encouraged people to get tested if they have symptoms and isolate as needed. In Arunachal Pradesh, state surveillance officer Lobsang Jampa urged residents to remain calm, saying the detected strain appears milder than past variants. "The health department is closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus. We are also tracing all possible contacts the two women may have had," he added. He mentioned that a comprehensive health advisory will be released soon in coordination with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi. "A comprehensive public health advisory will be issued soon after consultation with the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in Delhi," he said. (With ANI, PTI inputs)
