New Delhi, December 11, 2011 : .In the last two weeks, 27 districts experienced a significant increase in Covid-19 positivity rates.The Central government informed the states that this was a sign of the nation’s critical position in fighting the pandemic.
“With the recent trend of sustained and overall decline in Covid-19 cases in the country, we are critically placed in our fight against the pandemic.Eight districts in three states have been reporting more than 10 per cent positivity rates in the past two weeks.As many as 19 districts in seven states and union territories (UTs) have been reporting positivity rates between 5 per cent and 10 per cent in the past two weeks.
Thus, these 27 districts need to be monitored closely,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote in his letter to the states.
The letter informed that a framework based on the test positivity rate or bed occupancy rate (test positivity rate more than or equal to 10 per cent or more than 60 per cent bed occupancy on either oxygen supported or ICU beds) was provided to the states.
It is essential that all states and UTs keep a close eye on the situation, with district-level measures to contain clusters of positive cases according to guidelines.The letter stated that any district reporting an increase in Covid cases, or a rise in positivity rates should be taken immediately and should initiate local containment according to the containment framework.
The strategic containment interventions in identified areas with test positivity rate of more than or equal to 10 per cent or more than 60 per bed occupancy on either oxygen supported or ICU beds include night curfews, restricting the intermingling of people, prohibition of congregations, curtailment of attendees in marriages and funerals and last rites, etc.
Testing and surveillance interventions include ramping up testing and active case search, testing of all influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection cases through rapid antigen tests and re-testing by RT-PCR of symptomatic rapid antigen negative tests.Strict adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour at all places and times must be rigorously enforced and aggressively monitored.
The framework issued by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare also requires adequate advance notification to the community, highlighting the necessity for strict containment actions in order to reach community participation and support.
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