The Delhi government on Friday issued a proactive advisory on COVID-19, urging all health institutions to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen, medicines, and vaccines. This directive from the Health Department follows reports of rising coronavirus cases in several Indian states.
Keep a check on new variants
The advisory mandates that all positive COVID-19 samples be sent for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital, a crucial step for monitoring potential new variants. Hospitals are specifically instructed to verify the functional status of all essential equipment, including ventilators, Bi-PAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) plants.
To ensure transparent and timely data sharing, the Delhi government has also reiterated the importance of daily reporting of all critical parameters on the Delhi State Health Data Management Portal.
Furthermore, the advisory emphasises the need for refresher training for dedicated medical staff. It also calls for consistent daily reporting of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases from both Outpatient Departments (OPD) and Inpatient Departments (IPD) on the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal. Confirmed influenza and COVID-19 cases are also to be reported on IHIP using the specified L form.
Covid-19 precautions as cases rise pan-India
In a renewed push for public health safety, the advisory stresses the importance of following respiratory etiquette, including the mandatory wearing of masks within hospital premises and other health facilities.
The move by the Delhi government comes as various states report fresh COVID-19 infections. On Thursday, Gujarat recorded 15 new cases, while Haryana confirmed three new infections in Gurugram and Faridabad. Earlier in the week, Kerala Health Minister Veena George announced 182 COVID-19 cases in her state during May, and Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 16 active cases in his state on May 21. While the numbers remain relatively low, the advisories indicate a cautious and prepared approach from health authorities across the country.
(With PTI Inputs)