With over 31 pc Covid positivity, experts push for targeted curbs
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 23 2025: As the Covid-19 positivity rate in the state surges to 31.7 per cent, public health officials and experts are calling for immediate, data-backed preventive measures to curb the spread of the virus, even as they rule out the need for blanket lockdowns given the mild nature of the current outbreak.

According to the latest report of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) dated June 23, the state's positivity rate is more than six times the World Health Organisation's recommended threshold of 5 per cent, raising concerns over unchecked community transmission in the absence of systematic control measures.

A senior public health official said that while the current wave is not as fatal as previous ones, the largely asymptomatic and mild nature of the new variants poses a silent threat if not addressed promptly with strategic interventions.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare's guidelines and the containment strategy laid out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), last revised in mid-2021, remain relevant and suggest immediate restrictions on large gatherings and isolation of clusters wherever more than two cases are detected.

In addition, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for educational institutions issued in 2022 advocate the temporary closure of hostels in such circumstances.

While the world has moved beyond the widespread fear of the 2020-21 pandemic phase, experts caution against complacency.

The current challenge is no longer medical alone but strategic, they say.

With higher vaccination rates and better public awareness, the need of the hour is targeted, localised responses instead of widespread lockdowns.

Measures such as temporary closure of affected hostels, restrictions on mass gatherings in districts with high-positivity rate, increased testing, intense contact tracing, and rapid genome sequencing through INSACOG are being recommended by experts ahead of the upcoming meeting of the State Technical Expert Committee scheduled for June 25 .

In an official programme held at Hotel Imolesh on Monday, Health Services director Dr Chambo Gonmei, while responding to media queries, said that necessary preventive steps are already in place to respond to the current wave.

He added that the COVID-19 Screening Committee will meet on Tuesday to assess the technical aspects of the outbreak.

While emphasising that the situation is not as severe as the initial stages of the pandemic, he urged the public not to panic and advised following basic safety measures.

So far, the Health Ministry has not issued any advisory for contact tracing, but individuals have been encouraged to avoid crowded places, wear masks in public, practise hand hygiene, and isolate at home if they test positive, he said, adding that the symptoms of the new variant are mild, typically presenting as low-grade fever and a runny nose.

Dr Gonmei said that healthcare facilities are fully prepared to handle severe cases, though most patients can manage symptoms at home.

The director urged individuals, especially those with low immunity, co-morbidities, and children, to exercise extra caution and wear masks.

Although testing is not currently mandatory, people experiencing symptoms should get tested and self-isolate to prevent further spread, he maintained.

Meanwhile, a concerned citizen speaking to The People's Chronicle expressed particular worry over the unvaccinated child population, especially younger children who naturally have weaker immune systems.

While acknowledging that most adults are vaccinated and protected, the citizen stressed the need for some form of restrictions that would not disrupt daily life but would still safeguard vulnerable groups.

As the situation evolves, public health officials reminded: "this is not a call for alarm but a reminder to act with caution" .

The response in 2025, they say, should be guided by the lessons of the past, applying proven strategies swiftly and sensibly to contain the spread while avoiding panic and unnecessary disruption.

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