AMN / WEB DESK
The Union government has advised poll-bound states to speedily ramp up the COVID19 vaccination of all eligible population for the first dose and ensure that those who were due for the second dose are administered the second dose.
The poll-bound states were also advised to exponentially increase the testing to ensure that the infected cases are identified promptly for timely initiation of public health response measures, and to ensure that there is no sudden upsurge in numbers due to low testing.
The state authorities were strongly advised to ensure that recommended COVID Appropriate Behavior is strictly followed and adequate measures are undertaken for their effective enforcement.
On Monday Centre reviewed public health response measures and vaccination status with five poll-bound states. These states are Uttarakhand, Goa, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan held a high-level meeting with these states to review the public health response measures for containment and management of COVID-19 and the vaccination status. During the meeting, Mr Bhushan advised these states to ramp up vaccination of all eligible population through district-wise weekly plan with daily review.
Uttarakhand and Goa have reported vaccination coverage for the first and second doses higher than the national average, while Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Manipur have below the national average.