Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently chairing a review meeting on the coronavirus/ Omicron situation in the country. PM’s COVID-19 meeting with officials comes on the backdrop of an increasing number of Omicron cases across India. According to news agency reports citing official sources, PM Modi is expected to take stock of the Omicron situation across the country and deliberations are also likely to be held around policy regarding COVID-19 booster dose. Top government officials including secretaries, Health Ministry officials, NITI Aayog members are likely to attend the meeting.
Ahead of the Prime Minister’s COVID-19 review meeting today, the Centre issued an advisory to state governments and asked them to step up vigil and monitor cases of Covid-19 within their jurisdictions. The states and UTs were also advised to ensure strict adherence to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour during festive gatherings, marking of containment zones, imposition of night curfews among others.
The Union Government also urged states and Union Territories to achieve 100 per cent vaccination coverage at the earliest. State governments have also been asked to set up war rooms and monitor the slightest changes in trends in Covid-19 cases. In the communique, the Centre also advised the state governments to mark containment zones and control the spread of Covid-19 at local levels.
There has been a rise in demands seeking a third booster of the COVID-19 vaccine to counter the spread of Omicron.
According to the Union Health Ministry, India has so far reported 236 cases of omicron in 16 states. It may be noted that Maharashtra has recorded the highest number of omicron cases -65 – so far. This is followed by Delhi at 64. States such as Telangana, Karnataka, Rajasthan, and Kerala have also reported an increase in omicron cases.
In a bid to counter the spread of Covid-19 and Omicron variant of Covid-19, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), on Wednesday imposed a ban on Christmas and New Year celebrations in the national capital.
