Centre directs states, UTs to enforce intensive containment measures in view of new Covid variant

New Delhi: Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written to all States and Union Territories over the emergence of new COVID variant, asking them to enforce intensive containment and active surveillance measures and also increase coverage of vaccination.

The Centre said, it is essential that the disease surveillance network in the country is geared up for rigorous follow up of all international travelers from all countries especially countries designated as "At Risk".

The Centre



asked States and Union Territories to review this at their level and strictly ensure the protocol provided by Union Health Ministry including testing on disembarkation of international travelers coming from "At Risk" Countries and sending all positive samples for genome sequencing to INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner.

Centre also asked States and Union Territories to operationalise ample testing infrastructure to tackle any surge due to this mutated virus.