The Union Government is reviewing its preparedness to tackle a potential Covid-19 wave after many countries report a surge in cases. The latest surge is due to Omicron sub-lineage BF.7 virulent in China.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a meeting with Indian Medical Association in this regard and also overviewed a mock drill at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.
RT-PCR test is now mandatory at airports for those arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand. Uttar Pradesh state health minister Brajesh Pathak appealed to those who arrived in the state from foreign countries recently to stay isolated at their homes until they get tested for Covid-19.
Meanwhile, with advisories sent to the states, the Karnataka government has made wearing masks mandatory in educational institutions, theatres, and other closed air-conditioned places.
The Karnataka state government has also issued protocols for new year festivities. Wearing masks would be compulsory for entry into bars, pubs, and other indoor celebrations. Authorities have also asked organizers to wind-up revelries by 1 am.
Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and several other states across the country are carrying out mock Covid drills to gauge their readiness in case of a spurt in Covid cases.
The Delhi government is also reviewing Covid readiness in hospitals across the capital and is checking if the availability of ICU beds, ventilators, and liquid oxygen cylinders is adequate. Down South, a Tamil Nadu health department statement said hospitals have been instructed to stock up on testing kits required for six months.