Covid resurgence: Andhra health department put on alert

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has put the Medical and Health Department on alert in view of the reports of new variants of Coronavirus spreading across the country.

Chairing a review meeting of the department, the Chief Minister asked the officials to conduct Covid-19 tests and provide medicines to the affected people. If patients contract the virus, they should be immediately shifted to hospitals, he said. In the last two week, a total of 15,096 tests were conducted, among which 267 showed Covid-19 symptoms, and are under home isolation.

According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India logged 5,357 fresh Covid-19 cases. There have been 11 deaths and approximately 1,57,894 tests done. The recovery rate is at 98.75 percent.

In Andhra Pradesh, a fever survey has been conducted, and it is found that only 25 persons have been admitted to hospitals with Covid symptoms so far. "Clinics would be ready to provide treatment to necessary patients, in addition to preparing the labs well in all respects to conduct tests," said an official.

Medical college construction

Construction of new medical colleges in Vizianagaram, Machilipatnam, Rajamahendravaram, Eluru, and Nandyala districts is in full swing. Similar works in other districts are also going ahead as per schedule.

The works relating to the Kidney Specialty Hospital at Palasa, Cancer Institute at Kurnool, and the GGH Super Speciality Blocks, including the Cancer wing in YSR Kadapa are in the final stage.

IMA asks not to panic:

Indian Medical Association (IMA) asked the people not to panic after the country witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases. People were advised to maintain hygiene. In a statement, IMA said, "Don't panic. We have controlled it before, We will do it now also with your support. Covid cases are rising, but don't panic."

According to the IMA, the new variant that causes Covid keeps mutating and leading to the birth of new strains such as

According to leading epidemiologists and virologists, XBB. 1.16 variant could be the reason behind the increase in these cases.

People in high-risk groups - Pregnant ladies, those over the age of 60, those with chronic illness, and those with underlying health conditions, immunocompromised - face increased risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19.

Precautions:

-People with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, headache, body ache, loss of smell or taste, breathlessness should get tested for Covid

-Coughing into a bent elbow or tissue, and throw away the tissue in a closed bin.

-Washing hands frequently for at least 20 seconds.

-Wearing a mask, especially in crowded places.

-Avoid crowded places and poorly ventilated settings whenever possible. -Ventilation is an important factor in preventing the virus that causes Covid-19 from spreading.

-Recirculated air from split air conditioning units, fans or any system that runs with recirculation mode should be avoided where possible, unless in a single occupancy room with no one else present.

-Maintain a physical distance of at least 1 meter.

-Get your self-vaccinated/Booster dose as per recommendation,

-There is no role for Antibiotics

-There is no evidence that regularly rinsing the nose with saline/antiseptic has protected people from infection with Covid-19.