The Union Health Ministry has issued a letter to states and Union Territories UTs on Tuesday after a surge in Covid 19 cases, especially those of the new and highly contagious virus strain Omicron in different parts of the country.
The new variant of concern VOC Omicron is 3 times more transmissible than the Delta VOC, according to current scientific evidence, according to the Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan. He added that the Delta VOC is still present in different parts of the country.
Bhushan wrote that even greater foresight, data analysis, dynamic decision making and strict and prompt containment action are required at the local and district level. The decision making at the State UT and district level must be prompt and focused.
Elaborating on containment measures that can be adopted by states to mitigate the spread of the Omicron, the health secretary said at the district level there should be a constant review of emerging data regarding the population affected by Covid 19, geographical spread, hospital infrastructure and its utilization, enforcement of perimeter of containment zones, enforcement of perimeter of containment zones and other measures. This evidence should be used to make effective decision making at the district level. He said that such a strategy ensures that the infection is contained at the local level before it spreads to other parts of the state.
The letter also highlighted that the main elements of the framework to be used by States and UTs to facilitate decision making at the District level are as follows:
In the last week i Test Positiveness of 10 per cent or more was reported as a result of the i test positivity of 10 per cent or more.
Bed occupancy of 40 per cent or more on oxygen-supported or ICU beds is iii
If any of these parameters are met in a district, containment measures and restrictions may be put in place. The restrictions have to be strictly enforced, according to the letter.
The number of Omicron cases in India has crossed the 200 mark, the Union Health Ministry said earlier today. 77 patients have been migrated or recovered, according to the ministry.