Union Health Ministry Steps Up Vigil As Covid Cases Surge In China

With China facing a fresh wave of Covid cases, the Union Health Ministry had asked states to step up vigilance and directed all states and UTs to increase genome sequencing of positive samples on a daily basis. A meeting chaired by the Union Health Minister regarding the same was held earlier today as well. 

The Union Health Ministry has also asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to follow proper COVID norms in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

In a letter addressed to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya asked them to ensure masks and sanitizers are provided, only vaccinated individuals participate in the yatra, and ensure COVID guidelines are strictly followed.

The Minister went on to add in his letter that in case it is not possible to follow these guidelines, the yatra should be adjourned keeping in mind the situation of a "Public Health Emergency".

Notably, COVID cases have seen a sharp uptick in China, in wake of it easing the "Zero COVID" policy. Reuters has reported that in some parts of the country, hospitals have become overcrowded and pharmacies are facing shortage of medicines.

While India is currently reporting 1200 cases a week, the Center has taken notice of "sudden spurt" of cases in China, South Korea, USA and Japan. While Beijing reportedly witnessed five fatalities on Tuesday, some projections show China might see close to a million fatalities in the coming months.

China has so far registered a total of 5,242 deaths due to the coronavirus since the pandemic began in late 2019.