Send data for genome tests, Chandigarh told

Chandigarh: The city was one of the 11 states/UTs of ‘grave concern' asked to share epidemiological data for genome sequencing to detect mutant strains of novel coronavirus following a meeting chaired by cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba on Friday.

During the review meeting attended by chief secretaries of the states, DGPs, and senior health professionals, along with the member (health) NITI Aayog, Union home secretary and health secretary, it was felt that these states/UTs had seen continuous deterioration of the Covid scenario over the fortnight.

Chandigarh was asked to increase testing to reduce the positivity rate to 5% or less. It was asked to enhance RTPCR testing to 70% of all tests. It was also asked to ensure patients isolated at home be monitored daily and transferred immediately to health facilities, if required.

“Statistically, the city has seen a spread in its urban areas. We have no rural areas. Our population follows comparatively more appropriate behaviour but has maximum vaccine hesitancy,” said Arun Kumar Gupta, health secretary, UT.

The union home secretary pointed out the 11 states and UTs have not shown commensurate increase in enforcement of containment activities. It was urged that the chief secretaries and DGs (police) of states/UTs take appropriate action. On Thursday, the additional secretary, from the ministry of textiles, VK Singh, during his visit had also asked city officials to focus on contact tracing.

The city was advised to reach 100% vaccination for its eligible health care workers, front line workers and eligible age groups. There will be a daily review of consumption from each cold chain point at the state level, for required re-appropriation. “The city is still below 70% vaccination coverage and needs to increase the coverage,” said an official from the UT health department.