As Covid-19 is back in the news with China facing the brunt of this deadly virus yet again, Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya conducted a review meeting on COVID related guidelines, protocols and the situation of the virus in India as a whole. In the wake of this, the Minister took to Twitter to announce the following after the high-level meeting ended, “In view of rising cases of COVID-19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today. COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation.”
During the meeting, which was attended by other dignitaries like Dr VK Paul, member of NITI Aayog; Dr. NK Arora, Chairman of COVID-19 working group NTAGI; Dr Rajiv Bahl, DG-ICMR; Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Secretary in Dept of Biotechnology & Dr Atul Goel DGHS, MoHFW, Dr VK Paul said that there won’t be any changes in civil aviation rules of now and that the usage of masks in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors is necessary mainly stressing on people with comorbidities and older aged people.
He further said “Only 27-28% of people have taken a precautionary dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take a precautionary dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone.”