New Delhi: Amid Union Health Ministry’s concern over gradual rise in COVID-19 test positivity rates in some states, India on Sunday logged 524 new coronavirus cases, the highest in 113 days, taking the active tally to 3,618.
According to data updated at 8 am, the toll touched 5,30,781 one more death due to the infection being reported from Kerala.
This came as India is witnessing a wave of seasonal influenza subtype H3N2 with two deaths due to this infection being reported on Friday – one each in Karnataka and Haryana.
In a letter to states and UTs, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said operational guidelines for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) need to be followed. The states have also been requested to take a stock of hospital preparedness such as availability of drugs and medical oxygen, vaccination coverage against COVID-19 and influenza.
Despite low number of new cases, equally low number of hospitalisations and significant advances made in terms of COVID-19 vaccination coverage, Bhushan said, there is a need to remain vigilant and focus on the five-fold strategy of test, track, treat, vaccination and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour.
At least 59 cases of H3N2 influenza have been detected in Odisha in last two months, Regional Medical Research Centre (RMRC)-Bhubaneswar Director Sanghamitra Pati informed on Saturday. The H3N2 influenza has symptoms similar to COVID-19, like fever, cough and chest pain. Some patients may face respiratory complications, experts said.
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