New Delhi: Amid a nationwide upward trend in the Covid-19 cases, Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya will chair a review meeting with the health ministers of all states and Union Territories on Friday afternoon. On Wednesday, the Covid-19 empowerment working group also conducted a review routine meeting. Dr V K Paul, Dr Rajiv Bahl, DG, ICMR and other senior health officials attended this meeting. 


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According to the sources, this was a review meeting to know the Covid-19 situation and preparedness in the country. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) also attend the meeting. “We need to remain alert but there is no need to worry. Currently, the sub-variant of Omicron which is circulating in the country hasn`t increased hospitalisation," Mandaviya said on the Covid-19 situation in the country.


In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi presided over a high-level meeting to take stock of the Covid and influenza situation in the nation. This meeting was called in response to a spike in influenza cases and a rise in Covid cases in preceding weeks. The Prime Minister directed officials to enhance the Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories, which will support tracking of newer variants and timely response. He emphasized Covid appropriate behavior, including wearing masks on hospital premises by patients, health professionals, and health workers. He also stressed the importance of wearing masks when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.


UP, Gurugram Report 1st Covid-19 Deaths This Year


 


Amid the Covid-19 spike in the country, Uttar Pradesh has reported its first death linked to the deadly Coronavirus this year, according to state health officials. The state also reported 192 fresh Covid-19 cases during the day while 68 patients recovered in the state, including one in the state capital Lucknow. At present, there are 842 active Covid-19 cases in the state. Meanwhile, Gurugram also reports its first Covid-19 death in over five months, despite the patient being fully vaccinated but with co-morbidities. Two cases of H3N2 influenza were also reported. The last time Gurugram recorded a Covid-19 death was on October 28 last year.


Covid Positive Elderly Woman Dies In Lucknow  


 


An elderly woman, who had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 2, died during treatment on Thursday while 35 more people tested positive for Covid-19 in Lucknow. The woman, who died was a resident of Lucknow`s Vrindavan Colony, and was admitted to a private hospital in Alambagh.


She was diagnosed as a patient of multi-organ failure and tested positive for Covid-19 with TrueNat method. "She was later shifted to King George`s Medical University (KGMU) where a second sample for Covid test was taken on April 4. The report of the second sample is awaited," said a senior health official.


Covid-19 Spike In UP


 


Till now, the state capital has reported 2,701 Covid deaths since the pandemic began in March 2020. In the state, 23,650 deaths have been reported till now. Officials said once the confirmatory report of the sample taken at KGMU came, the death toll would be updated.


On Thursday, a steep hike in new Covid cases was reported in the state capital as 35 more people tested positive as compared to 24 new cases on Wednesday. Six patients were from Indira Nagar and Aliganj, five from Sarojini Nagar, four from Alambagh and Chowk, two each from Chinhat, Qaiserbagh and Tudiyaganj and one each from NK Road, Malihabad and Aishbagh, according to the health department data.


India Logs 5,335 New Covid-19 Cases, Highest In 195 Days


 


India logged 5,335 fresh coronavirus cases, the highest in 195 days, while the active cases increased to 25,587 on Thursday. On September 23 last year, 5,383 cases were recorded in a single day. The death toll has increased to 5,30,929 with 13 deaths -- two each reported from Karnataka and Maharashtra, one each from Kerala and Punjab, and seven reconciled by Kerala, the Union health ministry data updated at 8 am stated.


The daily positivity rate has been recorded at 3.32 per cent while the weekly positivity rate has been pegged at 2.89 per cent, it said. The total tally of Covid cases stands at 4.47 crore (4,47,39,054), according to the ministry.


The active cases now comprise 0.06 per cent of the total infections, while the national Covid recovery rate has been recorded at 98.75 per cent, according to the health ministry website.


The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,41,82,538, while the case fatality rate has been recorded at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry's website, 220.66 crore doses of Covid vaccine have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.