Fast spread of Covid in some countries : Precautionary measures initiated, says Health Minister
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 23 2022: In view of the fresh surge in Covid-19 cases in some countries, the State Government has initiated necessary control measures, said Health Minister Dr Sapam Ranjan.

Speaking to media persons at the Health Services Directorate, Lamphelpat this evening, Dr S Ranjan said that Union Health Minister Mansukh L Mandaviya held a video conference today with Health Ministers of different States and officials concerned on the unfolding Covid-19 situation across the world.

Later in the evening, Chief Minister N Biren presided over a high level meeting at his Secretariat where the unfolding Covid situation was discussed at length.

Acting on the Chief Minister's advice, the State Government has initiated necessary measures to tackle Covid-19 in case positive cases surge in the State too, Dr Ranjan said.

Precautionary measures initiated, says Health Minister

The Health Minister said that a new strain of coronavirus is now spreading fast in some countries like China, Japan, South Korea and Brazil.

A drill involving the State's PSA plants, ventilators, oxygen concentrators, ICU beds and general beds would be held before December 27, he said.

There is no active Covid-19 case in the State at present.

Nonetheless, genomic sequencing would be done once a fresh positive case is detected so as to identify the coronavirus variant, he continued.

He then appealed to all the people to follow Covid appropriate behaviours like wearing face masks, washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded places as far as possible and refraining oneself from going outside the State, except for compelling reasons.

He also urged the people to go to the nearest health centre and get tested if any one has suspicious symptoms.

Saying that the State's vaccination rate is 62.45 per cent for first dose, 54.90 per cent for second dose and 20.86 per cent for booster dose, the Health Minister appealed to the people to get vaccinated against Covid-19 .

Noting that the vaccination rate is much lower in hill districts, Dr Ranjan said that necessary steps would be initiated to enhance vaccination.

Clarifying that the press meet was not convened to create a panicky situation among the masses, Dr Ranjan said that the press meet was aimed at sending a message to all the people to take up all possible precautionary and control measures collectively.

Health Services Director Dr Khoirom Sasheekumar Mangang, NHM State Mission Director Dr N Somorjit and some senior officers were also present at the press meet.