PANAJI
Keeping with the national trend, Goa on Monday reported a sudden spurt in Covid-19 cases reporting 11 new cases, the first time the single day count reached double figures in months.
Although the figures aren't alarming -- the State's Covid-19 caseload is just 32 -- the high positivity rate (6.3%) with 11 of the 175 samples tested turning out positive, the situation is of concern and needs to be "promptly addressed" according to a recent letter written to States by the Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
The spike in Covid-19 cases also comes in the backdrop of a rise in influenza (H3N2) like illnesses and the Union Health Secretary has in his letter to States asked for "surveillance" of respiratory pathogens in such influenza like SARI cases.
Bushan has also alerted the States towards taking stock of preparedness including availability of drugs and medical oxygen.
"The gradual rise in Covid-19 test positivity rates in some States is a concerning issue that needs to be promptly addressed," Bhushan's letter to the States says even as he advocated vigilance and a continued focus on the test-track-treat-vaccinate strategy and adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour.
States have also been asked to ensure that district units closely monitor the influenza and SARI trends in their jurisdiction and refer samples for testing for influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and adenovirus.
"All states and UTs must in letter and spirit implement 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in Context of Covid-19' which provides for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of ILI/SARI," Bushan stated in the letter.
