Alert at the fast spreading new recombinant variant XBB1.16 of SARS-CoV-2 which is believed to be behind the fresh surge of Covid infections in the country, the Center has asked the States to conduct mock drills in hospitals to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators and human resources. Countrywide mock drills have been planned to be conducted on April 10-11.
According to the INSACOG data, a total of 610 variant XBB1.16 samples have been found across 11 states and Union Territories with the highest number found in Maharashtra and Gujarat at 164 each, followed by 93 Telangana and 86 in Karnataka.
In yet another advisory issued on Monday, the Centre after reviewing public health preparedness for management of Covid-19 and Covid-19 vaccination progress with States asked them to strengthen surveillance with focus on whole genome sequencing of positive samples and increase testing with higher proportion of RT-PCR tests.
On their part, States are gearing up to meet any emergency in case the infections spurt. For instance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday reviewed the Covid-19 and influenza situation at a high-level meeting with officials and directed them to identify covid-dedicated hospitals in all 75 districts.
He directed officials to test preparations by conducting mock drills in hospitals across the state on April 11-12 and ensure that all the oxygen plants in the state are functional and ventilators provided to hospitals and medical colleges are active.