NIV scientists will focus on Kovid

Scientists at the National Institute of Virology have been reassigned from their current projects to work related to corona to contain the spread of the BF.7 variant.

There is also alarm over the resurgence of other respiratory and influenza viruses, such as H1N1, which are in circulation in India. The symptoms of both Covid and influenza are similar, and the government is focusing on testing to contain the crisis.

With the evolving scenario of surge in COVID-19 cases in China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Brazil, governments are gearing up across sectors.

In view of increasing cases of COVID-19 in China and other countries, we have again geared up for COVID-19 management work. Scientists who were working on other research projects have also joined the work related to research and management of COVID-19. We are best prepared in terms of infrastructure, availability of biosafety laboratories, manpower and equipment.”

The scientists also warned about other respiratory infections. “These non-Covid respiratory infections (rhinoviruses) are another concern because they show Covid-like symptoms. People may think it is normal influenza, and they may skip testing and not isolate or seek treatment. Hence, it is imperative to get tested for Covid to prevent the spread of the infection. However, surveillance of cases of SARI, ILI and similar diseases has started in states to identify early warning signals, and a weekly report for the same is being sent by the states to the Union health ministry,” the scientist said. .

India has recorded 265 new Covid cases and three deaths in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases currently stands at 2,706. The total number of cases in the last three years of the pandemic is 44.6 million and the number of deaths is 530,705.

On 31 December 2022, Dr. PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials of the Ministry of Health and experts from the Department of Biotechnology to review the COVID situation in the country.

“The status of Covid vaccination and other important issues like availability of medicines, infrastructure, research, vaccines etc were reviewed. As far as vaccination is concerned, more than 2.2 billion doses have been given, of which 1.02 billion are the first dose and 950 million are the second dose,” he said.

“Pharma companies have been directed to closely monitor the global supply chain scenario and ensure adequate stock and availability of all medicines, including Covid medicines. The commerce ministry has been tasked with monitoring the ongoing export of pharmaceutical products and equipment to China,” the official said.

Queries sent to the health ministry spokesperson did not elicit any response.