Maharashtra State is experiencing an increasing number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) patients and observing this rise, Public Health Department Secretary Naveen Sona, in a recent media interaction, suggested measures to control the spread of the virus. During his visit, he reviewed the situation through a television system and provided the following recommendations:
Testing, Genome Sequencing and Preventive Doses
Secretary Sona stated that the number of tests should be increased, and necessary measures should be taken to conduct RTPCR investigations. Samples with a Ct value of less than thirty should be sent for genome sequencing. This is crucial to identify new variants and take appropriate measures to prevent their spread. Furthermore, he also recommended increasing the number of preventive doses. This will help reduce the severity of the disease and prevent hospitalization. Additionally, SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) and ILI (Influenza-Like Illness) surveys should be conducted with maximum efficiency to identify potential COVID cases and administer preventive doses accordingly.
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Maintaining Appropriate COVID Behavior
To control the spread of the virus, Sona emphasized the importance of maintaining appropriate COVID behavior. This includes wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and avoiding large gatherings. These measures have been proven effective in preventing the spread of the virus and must be followed diligently.
Vaccination Status and Active Cases
A report published in the Indian Express mentioned that as of now, the government centers have over one lakh doses of the Covaxin vaccine available. However, the production of the Covishield vaccine had been stopped by the Serum Institute of India due to the lack of demand. Additionally, the state health authorities are waiting for guidance from the Centre regarding the administration of Corbevax, which has been approved as a booster dose for adults who have been vaccinated with either Covaxin or Covishield vaccine. Data released by the state health at the end of March 2023 revealed that Maharashtra had over 2,200 active cases with Pune leading among the districts with the most number of cases followed by Mumbai and Thane. These figures highlight the need for more preventive measures to control the spread of the virus.
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Secretary Sona's visit was accompanied by several health officials including Health Commissioner Dheeraj Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, Collector, Health Director Dr. Nitin Ambedkar, Dr. Swapnil Lale, Joint Director Dr. Gauri Rathore, Assistant Director Dr. Babita Kamlapur, Deputy Director, District Surgeon, City Health Officer, District Council Health Officer, among others. Their presence highlights the state's commitment to controlling the spread of COVID. The recommendations made by him are crucial in controlling the spread of the virus in the state and state officials have emphasised that it is important to follow these guidelines diligently and take all necessary precautions to prevent the same.
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