New Delhi, June 13 (Bureau) Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stressed on Monday to continue to take precautions as he stated that the “COVID is not over yet”. “There are reports of rising cases of COVID in some states. It is important at this time to be alert and not forget COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) such as wearing masks and maintaining physical distance to prevent the spread of the infection,” the Union Minister said while he chaired a meeting with Health Ministers and senior officials of States/UTs today. The meeting was convened to review the progress of the vaccination exercise Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 campaign.
In the meeting, Mandaviya highlighted increased case positivity and expressed worry about the reduced Covid-19 testing in some districts and states, according to officials. During the meeting, Mandaviya reiterated that increased and timely testing will enable early identification of Covid-19 cases and would also help to curb the spread of the infection among the community, officials said. The states/UTs were also urged to focus on surveillance of incoming international travellers and surveillance through health facilities, labs, communities etc, they said further. Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry asked the states and UTs to identify all left-out beneficiaries of Covid-19 vaccination with a special focus on the adolescent age group. “Let us accelerate our efforts to identify all beneficiaries in the 12-17 age group for the 1st and 2nd doses, so they can attend schools with the protection of the vaccine,” a statement issued from the Union Ministry quoted Mandaviya.