From Telangana to Delhi, here's how states are tackling rising Covid cases

Hyderabad: In the previous 24 hours, India has recorded 10,158 new Covid-19 cases, with a daily positive rate of 4.42%. The figures are the highest in over eight months. According to specialists, the increase in instances does not appear to be a new wave but rather an endemic cycle.

The number of active cases has risen to 44,998, according to the data updated on Thursday.

According to experts, the cases may continue to rise over the following 10-12 days before subsiding. Despite the fact that the number of cases is growing, hospitalisation is still low and is anticipated to remain so.

According to researchers, the present increase in Covid cases is being driven by XBB.1.16, a sub-variant of Omicron.

While Omicron and its sub-lineages remain the prevalent variations, the majority of the assigned variants have little or no effect on disease severity, transmissibility, or immune evasion.

The frequency of XBB.1.16 grew from 21.6% in February to 35.8% in March of this year. According to sources, no proof of an increase in hospitalisation or death has been documented.

According to data from the Union health ministry, India saw a single-day increase of 7,830 coronavirus infections on Wednesday, the most in 223 days. According to the data, the number of active cases has risen to 40,215.

On 10 and 11 April, a nationwide simulated drill was organised to assess hospital preparedness in the face of escalating Covid-19 cases. The drill involved 36,592 public and private establishments from all regions.

Health infrastructure readied for new cases

According to officials, more than 10 lakh beds are now accessible across the country. There are nearly 3 lakh oxygen-supported beds, 90,785 ICU beds, and 54,040 ICU-cum-ventilator beds.

As part of the government’s readiness for healthcare infrastructure, 77,923 ventilators, 261,534 oxygen concentrators, and 685,567 oxygen cylinders are operational.

In addition, there are 8,652,974 PPE kits and 28,039,957 N-95 masks on hand. The health ministry also has 668,432,658 paracetamol dosages, 97,170,149 Azithromycin pills, and other basics on hand.

There are also 14,698 total basic life support ambulances and 4,557 advanced life support ambulances. Furthermore, the government has 208,386 clinicians trained in Covid-19 management.

Here is a list of precautions imposed by states to keep Covid-19 in check:

Hyderabad – The health department has advised individuals to take Covid measures such as wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing. It said Covid instances have been on the rise in India and Telangana during the previous 15 days. It is critical to finish the vaccine by taking both doses, as well as to follow Covid precautions like wearing a face mask and keeping a physical distance. Children under the age of 10 and seniors over the age of 60 have been urged to avoid going outside unless absolutely essential. Because Covid is more common in adults aged 20 to 50, people are advised to take extra precautions when going to work or performing critical tasks.

Delhi – The Delhi government issued a fresh advisory for persons with flu-like symptoms and those visiting hospitals and advised them to wear masks. The instruction was issued during a Covid review conference held in the city in response to the significant increase in the number of illnesses. The Delhi health department has directed hospitals to test anyone who displays signs of influenza-like illness (ILI), such as fever, cough, and body aches.

Kerala – Kerala health minister Veena George said pregnant women, the elderly, and persons suffering from lifestyle diseases must wear masks. “Testing has been increased,” the health minister added. The number of admissions is growing modestly. However, just 0.8% of all patients required oxygen beds, and only 1.2% required ICU beds, she said. The majority of the data sent for genetic sequencing were discovered to be Omicron. According to the health minister, a mock drill is being conducted in accordance with the directives of the Central government. According to the statement, Covid-19 fatalities are more common among those over the age of 60, as well as those who have lifestyle conditions like diabetes and hypertension.

Haryana – Due to an increase in Covid cases, the Haryana government declared wearing face masks in public places mandatory. “It has been decided that the general public must wear face masks in all public places where there is a gathering of more than 100 people, such as government offices, malls, and so on,” read the statement. District administrations and panchayats have been directed to guarantee that it is implemented throughout the state of Haryana. The general public will also be encouraged to practice Covid-appropriate behaviour in public spaces, according to the statement.

Tamil Nadu – The Tamil Nadu government announced an increase in RT-PCR testing. M. Subramaniam, the state health minister, stated that the health department will increase the number of tests from 4,000 to 11,000 each day. The minister also stated that the health department was doing a 2% random sample of overseas tourists.

Odisha – Odisha’s Bhubaneswar has increased testing in accordance with the government’s Covid standards. “As the Covid-19 cases increased, Capital Hospital ramped up RT-PCR and antigen testing against Covid-19,” Dhananjay Das, deputy superintendent, of Capital Hospital, said. The hospital has 10 Covid observation beds and all originally essential health services. “We have everything, even oxygen, and medications. If a patient tests positive, we keep them under surveillance and subsequently refer them to Cuttak because we do not currently have ICU capabilities for Covid patients. We must follow the Covid guidelines and adhere to the Covid norms, otherwise, the cases may escalate. We must be cautious and use masks. If symptoms exist, testing is required,” he added.

Jharkhand – Jharkhand health minister Banna Gupta has requested the Centre to deliver at least 50,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses in order to maintain the state’s vaccination programme. The state minister also requested Union health minister Mansukh Laxmanbhai Mandaviya’s help in obtaining clearance from the Indian Council of Medical Research for four RT-PCR laboratories at Khunti, Lohardaga, Koderma, and Pakur.

Gujarat – Gujarat minister Rushikesh Patel has urged people to wear masks and be tested if they have Covid-19 symptoms. “Although the XBB.1.16 variant is found in the majority of people at the moment, it is not lethal. Those infected with this variety have a relatively low hospitalisation and fatality rate. People with co-morbidities and the elderly, on the other hand, should exercise extreme caution,” Mr. Patel said.

Puducherry – The Puducherry administration issued an advisory and made face masks necessary for individuals in public areas. “Wearing face masks in public places is mandatory in Puducherry,” stated district collector E. Vallavan.

Maharashtra – Due to an increase in Covid-19 and influenza cases in Maharashtra, the Satara district administration has made masks mandatory for employees and officials working in government and semi-government offices, colleges, and banks. The collector also urged local people to wear masks and practice hand hygiene in busy venues such as weekly markets, bus stops, congregations, and weddings.