“COVID-19 is not over yet,” Union Minister warns Indian citizens as COVID situation in China worsens
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On Wednesday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya presided over a meeting to discuss the Covid situation in India in light of the rapid rise in cases in China. China is in chaos after the government reversed the strict lockdown guidelines outlined in its zero-Covid policy. The country’s crematoriums are overwhelmed by the large influx of bodies, despite the government’s denial that the death toll has reached double digits.
According to reports, Chinese cities are currently being hit by the highly transmissible Omicron strain, primarily BF.7, which is the main variant spreading in Beijing and contributing to a larger surge of Covid infections in that country.
Following the meeting, Niti Aayog member Dr VK Paul advised people to wear masks in crowded places to prevent the virus from spreading, amid fears that the wave of infections in China may spawn new mutations.
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In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today.
COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.
We are prepared to manage any situation. pic.twitter.com/DNEj2PmE2W
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) December 21, 2022
“Use a mask if you are in a crowded space, indoors or outdoors. This is all the more important for people with comorbidities or are of higher age,” Dr VK Paul said.
According to the reports, three cases of Omicron subvariant BF.7, which appears to be the strain driving China’s current surge of Covid cases, have been detected in India so far. Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre discovered the first case of BF.7 in India in October. So far, two cases have been reported in Gujarat, with one case reported in Odisha.