Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting on Wednesday and gave officials instructions to improve genome sequencing while also emphasizing COVID-appropriate behavior in light of the country’s recent spike in COVID-19 and influenza cases.

According to Union Health Ministry data updated on Wednesday, India has recorded 1,134 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of active cases to 7,026. With five deaths, the death toll rose to 5,30,813 people. According to the data updated at 8 a.m., Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, each reported one death, while Kerala reconciled one fatality.

According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi chaired the meeting to assess the COVID-19 and influenza situation in the country in terms of preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, the status of the vaccination campaign, the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and influenza types, and their public health implications for the country.

The country has seen a spike in influenza cases recently, and Covid cases have increased over the past two weeks. These factors are the backdrop for this high-level review meeting.

During the meeting, Secretary of Health Rajesh Bhushan delivered a comprehensive presentation on the global Covid situation, including the rising cases in India.

The prime minister was informed that India has seen a slight increase in new cases, with an average daily case count of 888 and a weekly positivity rate of 0.98 percent in the week ending March 22, 2023. During the same week, however, 1.08 lakh daily average cases were reported globally.

The statement claimed that a briefing on the actions done in response to Modi’s directives during the most recent Covid review on December 22, 2022, was also provided.

He was told that the availability and costs of the 20 primary Covid medications, 12 additional medications, 8 buffer medications, and 1 influenza medication are being watched.

On December 27, 2022, a fake drill was also carried out in 22,000 hospitals, and various corrective actions were then made by hospitals.

The prime minister was briefed on the country’s influenza situation, particularly the increased number of H1N1 and H3N2 cases reported in recent months.

Modi urged officials to improve whole genome sequencing of positive samples using INSACOG genome sequencing centers. According to the PMO, this will aid in the tracking of newer versions and the quick response to them.

The prime minister stressed the need for Covid-appropriate behavior, particularly the use of masks in hospital settings by patients, health professionals, and health workers.

Further, the statement read, “He also emphasized that wearing masks is recommended when senior residents and those with co-morbidities enter busy areas”.

(With input from PTI)

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