Latest news with #RapidResponseTeam
India Today
26-05-2025
- Health
- India Today
Kerala reports 430 active Covid-19 cases, highest in India
Kerala reported 335 fresh Covid-19 infections, pushing the total active caseload in the state to 430. Kerala, along with Maharashtra and Delhi, recorded the highest number of new cases in the country over the past week, Health Minister Veena George urged people to remain vigilant while reporting on the active cases in the state. She cited rising cases in countries like Hong Kong and Singapore, where Omicron JN1 sub-variants LF.7 and NB.1.8, known for their higher transmission rates, were driving the Wednesday, George told local media that a meeting of the state's Rapid Response Team was held to discuss the measures to curb the spike in cases. While addressing the media, she revealed that Kottayam district, at that time, led with 57 active Covid cases, with Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram close behind with 34 and 30 active cases respectively. 'Covid cases are being reported in large numbers in South East Asian countries and there is a possibility of an increase in Covid in Kerala as well,' George said. 'While the severity is not high, self-defence is important.'A high-level meeting of the state Rapid Response Team was held under her leadership last week. Following the review, it was decided that testing would be ramped up for symptomatic individuals, RTPCR kits and safety equipment would be stocked up at hospitals, and masks would be made mandatory inside hospitals. Health workers are now required to wear masks at all Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in its recent report revealed that there were 1,009 active cases of Covid in India, with a surge of cases also being reported from Maharashtra and Delhi. Meanwhile, 34 new cases were reported from Karnataka, four in Andhra Pradesh, three in Tamil Nadu and one in InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Kerala#Covid-19
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Kerala reports 182 Covid cases in May, says Health Minister Veena George
As many as 182 Covid-19 cases have been reported in Kerala in May so far, state Health Minister Veena George said on Wednesday. The highest number of cases was reported in Kottayam district (57), while 34 and 30 cases were reported in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram, respectively, during the period, she said after chairing a meeting of the state-level Rapid Response Team (RRT) here. George urged people to be vigilant, as there is a possibility of an increase in Covid cases in Kerala as well, as large numbers of the infection are being reported in Southeast Asian countries. The Omicron JN.1 variants, LF.7 and NB 1.8, which are spreading in these countries, have a higher potential for disease transmission, but the severity is not that high, she noted in a statement. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Sàn cao su chất lượng sắp được tặng ở Bac Ninh Gạch | Quảng cáo tìm kiếm Tìm Ngay Undo Stressing the significance of self-protection, the minister said those with symptoms such as a cold, sore throat, cough, and shortness of breath must wear a mask. It is advisable for the elderly, pregnant women, and those with serious illnesses to wear masks in public places and while travelling, she said, adding that masks are mandatory while visiting hospitals. Live Events Health workers must also wear masks, George said. Instructions have been issued to conduct Covid tests for those coming to hospitals with symptoms in the state. Directions have also been issued to ensure RTPCR kits and other safety equipment are there, the statement further said. George also urged people to be cautious against dengue, rat fever and waterborne diseases in view of the impending rainy season. Besides the health minister, health secretary, national health mission (NHM)'s state mission director and health director were present during the RRT meeting, the statement added.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Tiger sighted near Pauni school, forest dept on alert
Nagpur: A tiger on the prowl in Pauni tehsil of Bhandara district has sent jitters among locals. The forest department is on high alert after the big cat was spotted near a school in the town, situated about 100 kilometres from Nagpur. Although the school is closed for summer vacation, the presence of a two-year-old tiger near human settlements has triggered panic, forcing foresters to sound the alarm. This male tiger is the offspring of tigress T-5 from the Pauni wildlife range. According to sources, the tiger is struggling to establish dominance as a dominant male already resides in the jungle, which might be pushing it towards urban habitats. "The tiger has been sighted multiple times around Pauni, particularly in the Wainganga river basin area. Villagers from Korambhi and Itgaon have also reported sighting this big cat," a forest official said. Cattle kills have been reported in these areas, and the tiger was also seen in agricultural fields. "Now, villagers are concerned about the possibility of a tiger attack," said the official. The forest department is monitoring its movement, but no decision has been taken on capturing it. The tiger's increasing forays into human habitats led to a meeting between villagers, the forest department, and other stakeholders recently. Villagers have requested that the tiger be caught and removed from the area before any human fatalities occur. Meanwhile, in the forest area of Nakadongri, a two-year-old tiger was spotted near Dongri, Chandmara, and Kurmuda. A team from the Rapid Response Team (RRT) of Bhandara Forest Division, along with forest staff from Navegaon Nagzira Tiger Project and Nakadongri, tranquilized the tiger under the guidance of deputy conservator of forests (Bhandara), Rahul Gawai.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Meet on Thrissur Pooram discusses safety aspects
A high-level meeting chaired by Forest and Wildlife Minister A.K. Saseendran on Friday emphasised the government's commitment to conducting the Thrissur Pooram festival without setbacks. The meeting, held at the collectorate, brought together key stakeholders to discuss arrangements and safety measures ahead of the Pooram. Mr. Saseendran said steps would be taken to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience for the public. Referring to recent incidents of mistreating elephants and the animals turning violent on temple premises, he stressed the need to create a safe and fear-free environment for the Pooram lovers. The Minister added that official directives would be issued only with the knowledge and approval of the District Collector, ensuring transparency and consensus. He urged collaboration from all parties involved — including the Pooram organising committee and elephant owners — to maintain high safety standards. The Chief Wildlife Warden has been tasked with overseeing daily operations, with the Ernakulam Regional CCF required to submit daily reports on the progress. Elephant parades Revenue Minister K. Rajan, who joined the meeting online, called for a compassionate approach from the Forest department regarding elephant parades. He acknowledged the concern among elephant owners about changing rules and emphasised that sharing mahout details with the police would not be a cause for concern. Forest Conservator Indu Vijayan presented detailed guidelines for managing elephant processions, and it was announced that the department's Rapid Response Team (RRT) would be active during the festival. District Collector Arjun Pandian told the meeting that preparations were in full swing and designated the Additional District Magistrate as the point of contact for all festival-related needs. The Cochin Devaswom Board stated that all constituent Poorams have been instructed to adhere strictly to the festival schedule. The Paramekkavu and Thiruvambady Devaswoms requested an extension of the elephant inspection timeline. The Minister directed the District Monitoring Committee to look into this and consider deploying additional squads if necessary.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Washington Gov. Ferguson signs executive order forming family separation response team
PORTLAND, Ore. () – In response to President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson signed an executive order on Monday aiming to support children if their parents or caregivers are deported or detained. Executive Order 25-04, titled 'Protecting Immigrant Families and Responding to Family Separation,' orders Washington's Department of Children, Youth, and Families to form the Family Separation Rapid Response Team. The team will explore policies and actions to decrease 'the harm, trauma, and other lasting effects on children who experience family separation through the deportation or detention of their parents or primary caregivers,' the order states. Oregon officials, religious leaders support immigrants The department will work with the Governor's Office to identify members of the Rapid Response Team, which will consist of employees from DCYF and least one representative from Washington State Patrol, the Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, and the Governor's Office. Under the executive order, the Rapid Response Team must hold its first meeting no later than February 14. Ferguson signed the order during an immigrant and refugee event at El Centro in Seattle, saying his goal is to reduce harm caused by President Trump's immigration policies. City of Portland to auction foreclosed blighted properties at public sale 'My administration will do everything possible to address the harms caused by a mass deportation and detention program,' Gov. Ferguson said. 'That includes making sure kids who are torn away from their parents have someone to care for them and uninterrupted access to their education, regardless of their immigration status.' The executive order directs the rapid response team to review policies and find suggested changes for state agencies responding to family separation. The team is ordered to meet and carry out duties for at least one year, or until February 1, 2026, and must submit its first report to the governor's office no later than April 30, 2025. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The executive order in Washington State comes as immigration enforcement operations ramp up across the United States and Trump declared a border emergency. Washington has taken several actions in response to the Trump team's immigration policies — including Washington Attorney General Nick Brown leading a multi-state lawsuit challenging Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship. Additionally, before Governor Ferguson took office, his included a committee focused on combatting potential federal policies inspired by Project 2025, a policy guidebook for the Trump Administration, written by the conservative thinktank The Heritage Foundation. Ferguson's committee was co-led by King County Councilmember Jorge Barón, who previously served as executive director of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project from 2008 to 2023. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
