Vikrant Shekhawat : Dec 24, 2022, 09:47 AM
Corona Update: Due to the increasing cases of corona in China, the stir has started once again all over the world. Meanwhile, India is set to start random testing of 2 per cent international passengers at airports from Saturday. Three years after the first coronavirus case was reported from the Chinese city of Wuhan, the country is again gearing up to deal with the problem that had decimated life in the past.A Bloomberg report cited data from China's National Health Commission to emphasize that in the first 20 days of December, about 18 percent of the population, or about 248 million people, could be exposed to the virus. Meanwhile, India is taking all measures against the fourth wave of Covid.These are the 10 big developments so far-
- Mask is not mandatory in crowded places but must wear it. On Friday, in a letter to the states, the central government reminded about the need to behave Covid-wise as people gather to celebrate Christmas in the coming days.
- The new year is also about to come. In such a situation, it is very important to follow Covid-vaccination and Covid guidelines. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to the states, 'Covid-appropriate behavior, ie use of masks, sanitizers and adherence to physical distance is necessary.'
- Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also held a meeting with the State Health Ministers amid growing concerns of Covid in China. In the COVID-19 review meeting with the State Health Ministers, the need to be vigilant was emphasized. He said that there is no need to panic. We have 3 years of epidemic management experience. The Central Government will provide all possible assistance to combat COVID-19. We will take action as per the need.
- A nationwide exercise is to be held in hospitals on Tuesday next week, so that the health centers do not bow down to the pressure as before.
- Mandaviya had informed Parliament on Thursday about random testing of international passengers at airports, which is set to begin from Saturday.
- Meanwhile, the State Governments are also taking stock of the situation at the individual level. On Friday, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh held a review meeting. He said, 'Kovid-19 is again knocking at our door. Though our state is currently safe, a new Covid strain has been detected in the country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after chairing a meeting, has given some instructions to increase vigilance and preparedness. Today, I have also called a meeting to take stock of the state's Covid situation and our preparedness to deal with any contingency.
- UP CM Yogi Adityanath also reviewed the preparations for the second consecutive day. Reports quoted him as saying, "Though the situation is completely normal in the state now, still we have to be vigilant. This is the time not to panic but to be alert and careful."
- The Mamata-Banerjee-led West Bengal government on Friday told the Center that it is "ready and alert" to deal with any eventuality regarding Covid.
- This time the subject of concern is the BF.7 variant. Because of this, the cases of corona are increasing in China. BF.7 is a subvariant of Omicron, which caused a spike in Covid cases around the world last year around this time.
- In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday that the more infectious Omicron subvariant XBB has jumped 18%.