Dr Vardhan chairs high level meeting on COVID-19

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : “We have to work as a unit to combat the threat posed by COVID-19 to the nation and a coordinated and collective effort in a mission mode is needed,” said Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan as he chaired the meeting with all the senior officials from Government of Delhi, and Directors/Medical Superintendents of government hospitals in Delhi,  in the presence of Dr Satyendra Jain, Health Minister, Delhi Government.

Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW), apprised both the Ministers about the current evolving scenario, globally as well as nationally. She informed that 78 countries are affected by COVID-19 as on date. She stated that high level of vigil and alertness is being maintained by the states and the Centre for the prevention and management of COVID-19. She briefed about the revised travel advisory issued on March 3,2020, regarding revised travel restrictions, self-declaration, and advice for avoiding non-essential travel to China, Iran, republic of Korea, Italy, and Japan and other COVID-19 affected countries.

Dr Vardhan observed that while inter-sectoral coordination with the Central ministries/departments are being done, it was heartening to see that States/UTs are also responsive and putting their best efforts by taking appropriate actions and preparedness for COVID-19. He further added that the need of this hour is to put a more strategic approach like Cluster Containment Strategy, making the District Collectors more accountable, contact tracing & strengthening State and District surveillance teams to avoid widespread community transmission and also breaking the chain of transmission, if found, according to a PIB release.

Dr  Vardhan urged the States/UTs to strengthen core capacities for disease preparedness and response like Surveillance, Laboratory Diagnosis, Hospital Preparedness, Logistic Management, Capacity Building and Risk Communication. He also advised that States need to identify isolation facilities to accommodate confirmed/suspected cases if and when identified in each district as well as   logistics requirements and to enhance community awareness through print, electronic and social media in local languages including utilising local cable TV channels, FM radio etc.