Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 4 Jun: With a fresh rise in COVID-19 cases being reported in Uttarakhand, the state government has moved into alert mode and the Health Department has issued a comprehensive advisory to all districts. While the overall situation remains under control and no alarming signs have been observed so far, the government claims that it is taking no chances and has directed officials to step up surveillance and preparedness across the state.
Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar has stated that, following the directions of the state government, all districts have been asked to further strengthen their surveillance systems, ensure the availability of necessary resources in hospitals, and implement preventive measures more effectively. He clarified that there is currently no official threat declared by the Government of India, nor is any new variant actively spreading in the state. The cases being reported are mild in nature, with most patients recovering at home under normal treatment. However, the administration remains vigilant and has made it clear that all health facilities, equipment, and manpower must be kept in active mode to deal with any potential surge.
According to the advisory, all district magistrates, chief medical officers, principals of medical colleges, and chief medical superintendents have been instructed to ensure that hospitals are equipped with sufficient beds, oxygen supply, essential medicines, and critical equipment such as ventilators, BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA oxygen plants. The Health Department has also stressed the importance of keeping oxygen and medicines in full readiness to avoid any crisis situation.
As per the government, surveillance systems are also being further tightened, with mandatory reporting of cases showing symptoms of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), and COVID-19. All government and private health institutions and laboratories have been directed to upload daily reports on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Testing is to be conducted as per ICMR guidelines, and the number of SARI and ILI cases being tested has been increased. Testing of all SARI cases has been made compulsory to ensure early detection and containment.
In addition, all COVID-positive samples are to be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to ensure timely identification of any possible new variant. The Health Department has also recommended refresher training for staff involved in COVID-19 management to keep them updated with the latest protocols.
The fresh advisory has once again urged the public to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. People have been advised to cover their nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, avoid crowded places, wash hands regularly, maintain distance, wear masks in case of symptoms, and take special care of the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The public has also been cautioned against reusing tissues, shaking hands, taking medicines without medical advice, and spitting in public places.
