New Delhi: Amid surge in Covid-29 cases in neighbouring countries, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday said that the government has started random RT-PCR sampling among the passengers arriving at International airports in the country.

In his statement in Lok Sabha, Mandaviya said that the government is committed to tackling the pandemic and are taking appropriate steps. He also advised the states to make sure that people wear masks, use sanitizers and maintain social distancing even during the festive and the New Year season.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha on the #COVID19 situation in the country.
https://t.co/z99qv9MQ7i

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@mansukhmandviya) December 22, 2022

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“We are keeping an eye on the global Covid situation and are taking steps accordingly. The States are advised to increase genome-sequencing to timely identify the new variant of Covid-19,” Mandaviya said.

He further said that the health department has been proactive in managing the Covid pandemic. The Centre has also provided financial assistance to states in the fight against the pandemic, he added. “So far, 220 crore covid vaccine shots have been given,” the Health Minister mentioned.

Mandaviya then claimed that the number of Covid cases is depleting in India despite its surge across the world. “From the last few days, Covid cases have been rising in the world but in India, the cases are depleting. We are seeing rising Covid cases and deaths due to it in China,” he said.

Mandaviya reviews Covid-19 situation

On Wednesday, Mandaviya reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the nation and ordered officials to be vigilant and step up surveillance.

In the high-level meeting, the minister underlined the challenge posed by the increasing number of Covid cases in some countries across the world such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the US. He then noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains of Covid, especially in the view of upcoming festive season.

In view of the rising cases of #Covid19 in some countries, reviewed the situation with experts and officials today.

COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance.

We are prepared to manage any situation. pic.twitter.com/DNEj2PmE2W

— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@mansukhmandviya) December 21, 2022

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He also urged people to follow Covid appropriate behaviour and get vaccinated against Covid.

Mandaviya has already directed the officials to be fully geared up and strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure the timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country.

(With inputs from ANI)

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