Random Sample Testing of Passengers from China and some Other Countries at International Airports
Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Dec 21: Random sample testing for Covid-19 will be conducted at airports for international passengers arriving from China and some other countries in view of the recent surge in cases in some parts of the world, official sources said.
The instruction to carry out random sampling was issued after a meeting on Wednesday chaired by the union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya to review the COVID situation in the country. “Random sample testing will be done for international air passengers arriving from various countries including China,” the source said.
In view of the sudden spurt in Covid in China and some other countries, the review meeting was convened after which the government asked people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour, including wearing masks in crowded places, and get vaccinated. “COVID is not over yet. I have directed all concerned to be alert and strengthen surveillance. We are prepared to manage any situation,” Mandaviya said.
During the meeting, attended by experts and senior officials, the Minister was briefed on the global Covid situation and the domestic scenario, including the preparedness of all stakeholders. In a presentation, the Minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases with average daily cases falling to 158 in the week ending December 19, 2022. However, a consistent rise in global daily average cases has been reported for the last six weeks, with 5.9 lakh daily average cases reported in the week ending December 19, 2022.
Noting that only 27% to 28% of India’s eligible population have taken the precaution dose of COVID-19, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr. V.K. Paul, after the meeting, said people should take the jab and also wear masks in crowded places. Dr. Paul urged people not to panic and said that there was no change in the guidelines for international air travel so far. “People should wear masks in crowded areas. Those with comorbidities and old should especially adhere to this,” Dr. Paul said. The government will again hold a meeting next week to monitor the situation.
Underlining the challenge posed by the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in some countries across the world such as China, Japan, South Korea, France and the United States, Mr. Mandaviya noted the importance of being prepared and remaining alert against new and emerging strains of COVID-19, especially in view of the upcoming festive season.
During the meeting, it was highlighted that Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Tamil Nadu are the top five states contributing in terms of new COVID cases even though there is a consistent decline in the overall COVID caseload in the country. These five States accounted for 84% of the daily new cases reported on December 20, 2022.
During the meeting, it was also highlighted that no severity in cases was being seen so far. Secretary Pharma and Ayush were asked to keep stock of medicines that were used during COVID as a precautionary measure. Apart from Dr. Paul, the secretaries of health, department of pharmaceuticals, department of biotechnology, Ayush, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajiv Bahl, and National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) Chairman Dr. N.K. Arora were among those who attended the meeting.
