NEW DELHI : The union government is concerned about a potential rise in covid cases during the coming Diwali and Dussehra festivals and has warned states and union territories to ensure there’s no let-up in the surveillance strategy to track new variants, said Dr N.K.
Arora, chairman of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI). Experts have also urged people to take their booster doses, and advised hospitals to ensure adequate health infrastructure such as essential medicines and oxygen supply.
This year Durga Pujo is followed by Dussehra and Diwali starts next month. “Even though covid cases are declining, the surveillance activities in the states/UTs should be strongly conducted because we have festival season after a few days.
There should be no laxity to detect any new variant. This is a very crucial time," said Arora. “Government is also working on strengthening healthcare infrastructure such as ICU, beds, adequate supply of oxygen.