BF.7 Variant In India: Top Doctors’ Body Appeals To Public To Mask Up, Avoid Foreign Travel

PC: UNICEF

New Delhi: With cases of coronavirus increasing rapidly in many countries of the world, Indian Medical Association (IMA), the country’s top doctors’ body, on Thursday appealed to people to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour with immediate effect.

“In view of the sudden surge of COViD cases in different countries, Indian Medical Association alerts and appeals to the public to follow COVID appropriate behaviour with immediate effect. As per the available reports, nearly 5.37 lakhs new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours from major countries like the USA, Japan, South Korea, France, and Brazil. India has reported 145 new cases in last 24 hours, out of which four cases are the new China variant – BF.7,” it said.

In an advisory, it listed the necessary steps to overcome an impending COVID outbreak:

1. It is necessary to wear a mask in public places
2. It is necessary to maintain social distancing
3. Keep washing your hands with sanitiser and soap
4. Avoid going to political and social meetings
5. Avoiding international travel
6. If you are suffering from problems like fever, sore throat, cough or loose motion etc., then go to the doctor
7. Get the Covid vaccination done as soon as possible, which also includes the precautionary dose

The IMA also appealed to the government to upscale the preparedness by issuing necessary instructions to the Ministries and Departments concerned to make available emergency medicines, oxygen supply, and ambulance services.

“As of now, the situation is not alarming and therefore there is no need to panic. Prevention is better than cure,” it added.

According to sources, the Centre might issue an advisory to all states against overcrowding while celebrating New Year after a high-level COVID review meeting to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The government has already given instructions for the random checking of passengers coming from abroad at the airport.