The Union Health Ministry in a letter to States on Saturday had underlined the gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some States and had said that it needs to be promptly addressed. It stressed on a five-fold strategy to curb the infection. This includes test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to COVID-19-appropriate behavior. A day later on Sunday the country reported 524 new cases in the last 24 hours, the highest in 113 days. There is the H3N2 virus that is spreading rapidly and causing much concern among health authorities at the Centre and in several States. With two deaths reported due to the H3N2 virus it is imperative to prevent the spread of the infection. Incidentally in order to prevent getting infected by the virus it is necessary to follow the same protocol used in preventing the spread of COVID-19. It is now a double health whammy for the citizens as they need to protect themselves against two virus attacks, namely the Coronavirus and the H3N2 virus. Of course there is also the H1N1 virus (Swine Flu) lurking in the air.
