India’s COVID vaccination coverage crosses 144 crore 45 lakh landmark milestone;
AMN / WEB DESK
The Union Government has said a total of 961 cases of COVID variant Omicron have been reported so far in the country. Out of these total cases, 320 patients have already recovered and migrated. The Maximum number of 263 cases were reported from Delhi followed by Maharashtra and Gujarat. Omicron cases have been reported in 22 States and Union Territories.
India’s COVID vaccination coverage has crossed 144 crore 45 lakh landmark milestone today. More than 59 lakh vaccine doses have been administered till 7 P.M today.
Meanwhile the Union health ministry has written to eight states and UTs to enhance testing, strengthen hospital preparedness, increase the pace and coverage of COVID-19 vaccination drive and ensure strict enforcement of restrictions to counter the spread of the infection.
In the letter, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan asked Delhi, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka and Jharkhand to be vigilant in view of the recent increase in domestic travel and various events such as marriages, festive celebrations, and vacations having either recently concluded or under way.
With the onset of winter and increased pollution in some states, prevalence of ILI/SARI and respiratory distress symptoms should be closely monitored, he said in the letter dated December 29.
The letter was issued as the country reported single-day rise of over 13,000 new COVID-19 cases after around 49 days and cases of Omicron variant increased to 961.
Bhushan said it has been seen that there has been an increase in the cases and lessening of doubling time in detection of the cases in few states.
Delhi has reported a sudden and significant surge in cases in the last two weeks.
“This issue needs to be addressed proactively and immediately to ensure that neither the transmission spreads further nor do we reach a situation of increased mortality due to late detection of the cases,” the letter stated.