As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country, several states have imposed stricter rules to ensure public safety. Masks have become mandatory again in many places, and health authorities have urged people to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour.
The Union Health Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya, reviewed the situation with the state health ministers and advised them to stay vigilant and prepared.
He also asked them to conduct mock drills at all hospital infrastructure on April 10 and 11. He stressed on the need for enhancing genome sequencing and creating awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour.
Some of the states that have taken measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are:
Haryana: The state government has made wearing face masks compulsory in public places. The health department has appealed to the public to adopt Covid appropriate behaviour. The district administrations and panchayats have been instructed to ensure compliance in all parts of the state.
Kerala: The state has also made masks mandatory for pregnant women, the elderly and those with lifestyle diseases. The Health Minister, Veena George, after holding a high-level meeting to evaluate the COVID-19 situation in the state, said Covid-related deaths are mostly reported in people above 60 years and those with lifestyle diseases such as diabetes.
She also directed the health department to ensure oxygen availability and said a special meeting of private hospitals will be held soon.
Puducherry: The administration has made mask wearing compulsory in public places with immediate effect. Staff working in hospitals, hotels, restaurants, liquor shops, hospitality and entertainment sectors, government offices and commercial establishments should compulsorily wear masks, a statement said.