NEW DELHI, Dec 21, 2022 (BSS) - Amid a spurt in cases of Covid-19 worldwide including China, Indian Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya urged people to follow COVID appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated against coronavirus.

Reviewing COVID-19 situation and preparedness of public health system in view of recent sharp rise of coronavirus cases in some countries including China, he asked officials to be fully geared up and strengthen surveillance against new and emerging strains of Covid-19 to face any eventualities. 

"COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be on the alert, and strengthen surveillance. I also urge people to take COVID vaccination," the minister told the officers and experts attended the review meeting.

He directed for strengthening the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country. 

The Union Health Ministry has already issued "Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in context of COVID-19" in June 2022 which calls for early detection, isolation, testing and timely management of suspected and confirmed cases to detect and contain outbreaks of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. 

Meanwhile, the central government of India has asked all of its states and Union Territories (UTs) to increase genome sequencing of positive cases to detect the new variants of coronavirus. 

The union health ministry on Tuesday formally asked states and UTs to step up analysis of Covid positive cases and for heightening testing and surveillance at airports as well following the recent wave of coronavirus in China and several other countries, reports said.