The COVID-19 pandemic that had us all locked up in our houses, afraid to even step out of the house, seemed to finally be under control by the government, with an increasing percentage of the population vaccinated against the virus.
However, the number of cases has started rising again. According to data from April 7th, there are 28,303 active cases in India, and the daily positivity rate is at 3.39 percent. On the other hand, the recovery rate remains the same as the previous day at 98.75 percent, and the number of ongoing cases now represents 0.06 percent of the total caseload in India. Out of the total number of cases, 3,320 recoveries occurred in the last 24 hours, bringing the total tally to 4,41,85,858.
This recent surge in cases can be attributed to several factors, including relaxation in COVID-19 restrictions, lower testing rates, increased carelessness concerning hygiene, and the entry of a new covid variant— XBB.1.16, which has proven to be far more easily transmissible than the previous variants.
Keeping in mind the current scenario, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya conducted a high-level meeting with states and union territories amid rising cases. With cases increasing at a faster rate, the minister has asked all states to ramp up testing, boost construction of COVID-19 infrastructure as well as fortify their respective preparedness for an increase in positive cases. Additionally, he also stressed the need to focus on genome sequencing.
Mansukh Mandaviya also asked the various health ministers to visit hospitals to review mock drills across all health facilities on April 10th and 11th. The state officials have also been asked to review the health preparedness with district administrations and health officials on April 8th and 9th.
In Maharashtra, Health Minister Tanaji Sawant said that the state is going to conduct a mock drill on the 14th and 15th of April at the suggestion of the central government. However, the Maharashtra government has asked people not to panic but remain vigilant and take precautions.
The World Health Organisation has also expressed concern about the growing cases of the XBB.1.16 variant, which is currently the cause of most COVID-19 cases in the country.
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