ICMR says no need to test contacts of COVID patients unless identified as 'high-risk'; get vaccinated, urges PM

Individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel, asymptomatic individuals in community setting, and people who stand discharged as per home isolation norms also need not be tested. According to a revised ICMR Advisory on Purposive Testing Strategy for COVID-19, contacts of confirmed COVID cases need not get tested unless identified as ‘high-risk’ based on age or comorbidities. Individuals undertaking inter-state domestic travel Let there be no lapse in our preparedness: Mandaviya Reiterating that the Centre is dedicated to supporting states in containing COVID, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said the Union government has provided support under ECRP-II for strengthening the health infrastructure across the country. India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package- Phase-II is a centrally Interacting with health ministers, top officials and information commissioners of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Mandaviya said, “Let there be no lapse in our preparedness as we battle this surge of the pandemic.” Increase inoculation of all eligible populations, especially in low vaccination coverage areas and districts, the Union Minister advised the states. It should not become an over-the-counter medicine and should be prescribed with due diligence.” Keep daily watch on the situation: Health Ministry to states During the second surge of COVID infections in the country, the percentage of active cases that needed hospital care were in the range of 20-23 percent, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said in a letter to states and Union territories.