In response to COVID-19 concerns, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya advises increased surveillance and mask use

On December 22, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged States to be vigilant and raise awareness about using face masks and hand sanitisers, particularly in light of impending holidays and New Year’s celebrations, amid a spike in Covid cases in several areas of the world.

Mr. Mandaviya stated in Lok Sabha that the ongoing evolution of the virus poses a threat to international health in a way that affects almost every nation.

According to Mr. Mandaviya, States have been instructed to prioritise increased community surveillance and to implement the necessary control and containment measures. Additionally, states have been urged to boost the whole genome sequencing of all positive cases in order to quickly identify any novel variations. According to Mr. Mandaviya, states should ensure according to Mr. Mandaviya, should make sure that the precautionary doses of the COVID-19 vaccination are covered more widely and that more people are made aware of them.

This news was written by Ms. Pujari Dharani, Research Assistant, All India Legal Forum.