It's time to wear mask even at home: NITI Aayog rings alarming bell

"Earlier we used to ask people to wear masks at public places but now it's time to wear a mask even at home. Please don't go out, don't invite anyone at home, the angle on the high transmissibility of the virus (new strain of SAR-SCoV-2 ) is getting clearer," Dr. Paul said during a press meet.

Dismissing rumours about the COVID-19 vaccine posing a risk to menstruating women, he said it was safe to administer the vaccine to women during their periods. Menstruation should not stop anyone from taking the vaccine, Dr. Paul added.

Meanwhile, during the press briefing, the joint secretary of the ministry of health and family welfare, Lav Aggarwal, said one infected person can infect 406 people in a month if physical distancing is not followed. "Improper use of mask increases the risk of transmission by 90 per cent. Without COVID-appropriate behavior, no matter how much we increase health infrastructure, it will still be insufficient," he said.

The health ministry said people were panicking and occupying hospital beds and suggested they admit themselves only when medically advised. "There is an unnecessary panic that is causing a lot of rush outside hospitals. This causes suffering to genuine patients. Hoarding is also causing shortage of drugs," said Dr. Randeep Guleria, the director of AIIMS.

Dr. Guleria also clarified that Remdisivir does not have any mortality benefits and it is not right to think of it as a magic bullet. "It is only useful in moderate to severe cases. Eighty-five percent of the people with COVID-19 will have only mild illness. They will get well with fever medication or steam just like a common cold," he added.

Meanwhile, the additional secretary of the ministry of Home Affairs said while oxygen production was sufficient, there was a transportation problem. "Most of the production is in the eastern states. We are trying to solve the shortage of tankers and are also getting them from abroad," the official said.