Union Health Secretary reviews actions & preparedness of States to combat nCoV

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Preeti Sudan, Secretary, Health & Family Welfare  (HFW), on February 10, 2020, chaired a video conference (VC) with Health Secretaries from States/UTs along with senior officials from Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Home Affairs to review their actions and preparedness for prevention and management of Novel Coronavirus (nCov) here.

As of now, 1,563 samples have been tested of which 3 samples had earlier tested positive (in Kerala). All Indian evacuees from Wuhan, China, have tested negative for nCoV. Altogether 9,678 persons are at present under community surveillance in 32 States/UTs. The screening of passengers is on at all 21 airports, 12 major Seaports, and border crossings. In all, 1,984 flights and 2,15,824 passengers have been screened so far at 21 Airports, according to a PIB release.

Secretary, HFW, informed that various precautionary measures have been undertaken in close coordination with the concerned ministries at the central level. She also said that while the situation is under control presently, States/UTs need to stay on alert and be vigilant on a continued basis.

States were advised to enhance the awareness activities regarding the updated advisories. They were also advised to review the availability of earmarked isolation beds, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and N95 masks to ensure adequate preparedness. It was also suggested to states to strengthen their rapid response teams to counter any eventuality. States/UTs have reported that the protocols and guidelines issued are being followed.