'Use masks in crowded places, take precaution dose': Key govt panel advises amid China Covid-19 surge

Centre's Covid-19 advisory: VK Paul, NITI Aayog member (Health) who heads the national task force on Covid, has said there is no need to panic, and that adequate tests are being conducted. He advised people to wear masks in crowded areas.

New Delhi: Amid an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases in China, the Centre on Wednesday advised people to use masks in crowded places and take precautionary doses to protect themselves from getting infected. While assuring the countrymen that there is no need to panic, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul suggested that people should strictly adhere to Covid-19 protocols and guidelines.

Paul also disclosed that only 27-28 per cent of India's eligible population has taken the precaution dose of Covid-19. “Only 27-28% of people have taken precaution dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone,” Dr VK Paul told reporters after attending the Covid-19 review meeting called by the Union Health Minister.

Only 27-28% of people have taken precaution dose. We appeal to others, especially senior citizens, to take precaution dose. Precaution dose is mandated and guided to everyone: Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog after Union Health Minister's meeting on COVID pic.twitter.com/G1mL80XwXt — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2022

"People should wear masks in crowded areas. Those who have comorbidities or are elderly should especially adhere to this," Dr Paul said.

Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age: Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog after Union Health Minister's meeting on COVID pic.twitter.com/14Mx9ixIod — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2022

Paul also clarified that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel so far.

There is no change with regard to aviation as of now: Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog after the Union Health Minister's meeting on COVID pic.twitter.com/7VBF52So9p — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2022

Paul’s statements came following a review meeting held by Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya amid a surge in Covid cases globally, especially in China. "In view of the rising cases of COVID-19 in some countries, I 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," Mandaviya said in a tweet.

"In view of rising cases of #COVID19 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," tweets Union Health Minister pic.twitter.com/C2PIygymS6 — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2022

The secretaries of health, Department of Pharmaceutical, Department of Biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, Paul and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr N K Arora attended the meeting among others.

In view of the rising cases in Japan, the US, the Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday urged all states and Union Territories to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of Covid positive samples to keep track of emerging variants.

In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had said such an exercise will enable timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and will facilitate the undertaking of requisite public health measures.

Meanwhile, Serum Institute of India (SII) CEO Adar Poonawalla also expressed concern over reports of a rising COVID-19 graph in China but said there is no need to panic as the vaccination coverage in India is excellent.

The news of rising COVID cases coming out of China is concerning, we need not panic given our excellent vaccination coverage and track record. We must continue to trust and follow the guidelines set by the Government of India and @MoHFW_INDIA. — Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) December 21, 2022

Poonawalla's tweet came a day after the Union Health Ministry urged all states and UTs to ramp up the whole genome sequencing of positive samples to keep track of newer variants, if any, amid a spurt in cases in the US and China.