8 more cases, number of confirmed COVID-19 corona cases goes up to 39

New Delhi: Eight new cases of corona virus in the country were confirmed. This takes the total number of corona cases to 39.

Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, made a presentation on the current scenario arising from the coronavirus outbreak and action taken by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and other supporting ministries. 

With regard to the nation’s preparedness and response to COVID19,  he gave a presentation emphasising on the core areas of surveillance at point of entry and community, laboratory support, hospital preparedness, logistics and risk communication. 

Secretary, Department of Pharma, assured of sufficient stocks of medicine to deal with any eventuality, be it active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) or other consumables for use.

Issues related to continued vigil at all airports, seaports and land border crossings, community level surveillance as per protocol and ensuring availability of sufficient beds for isolation was discussed were discussed.  

Dr Harsh Vardhan emphasised the need for effective coordination with states for timely response. Member, Niti Ayog, stressed on the need for increasing surge capacity for hospitalisation. The request obtained for evacuation of Indians from Iran was highlighted.

Prime Minister Modi, while complimenting all departments for the work taken up so far mentioned that India has to be prepared in its response as per the evolving scenario. All departments should work in convergence and action shall be initiated for creating awareness in community about the disease and the precautions to be taken. 

He exhorted the officers to identify best practices for COVID-19 management from across the world and within the states and ensure their adoption. Following advice of experts, he said people should avoid mass gatherings as far as possible and adopt dos and don'ts. 

He called for an steps to identify sufficient locations for quarantine and also for critical care provisioning in case the disease spread. Officials were instructed to plan for early testing and evacuation of Indians from Iran. 

He highlighted the need for advance & adequate planning and timely response as critical for managing this infectious disease from a public health perspective.