New Delhi: Amid growing concerns over the COVID-19 outbreak in China, the Center has now asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to suspend the ongoing Bharat Jodi Yatra if COVID-19 guidelines are not being followed properly. Give In a letter to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, ‘If it is not possible to follow the Covid-19 protocol, then keeping in mind the public health emergency, the Bharat Jodo Yatra should be postponed in the national interest. ‘ ,
The letter written by the Union Health Minister has also called for strict adherence to Covid guidelines and use of masks and sanitizers during the ongoing Bharat Jodi Yatra. In his letter, Mandaviya also suggested that only vaccinated people should be allowed to participate in the Congress party’s Bharat Jodo Yatra.
Mandaviya also requested the Congress leaders to postpone the padyatra if following protocol is not possible. Responding to the Union Health Minister’s letter to the Congress, party MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary said, “I want to ask the BJP whether PM Modi followed the COVID protocol during the Gujarat elections? I think Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra is not liked but people are liking it and joining it. Mandaviya has been deputed to divert public attention.”
Notably, the yatra celebrated its last day in Rajasthan on Tuesday and entered Haryana today.
Center to review COVID-19 situation in India
The letter comes amid fresh health concerns arising from the new wave of Covid in China. A similar surge in Covid cases has been observed in Japan, South Korea, Brazil and the US, which prompted the Center to urge all states and union territories to expedite whole genome sequencing of positive cases.
Center to review COVID-19 situation in India today as new wave of virus continues to spread in China. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will chair the important meeting which will be attended by Health Secretary, AYUSH, Department of Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Rajeev Behl, Member (Health). VK Paul of NITI Aayog and Chairman of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) NL Arora and other senior officials.
Increase genome sequencing of positive samples: Center tells states
The Union Health Ministry has urged all states and union territories to scale up whole genome sequencing of positive samples to track new COVID-19 variants. In a letter to states and union territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said such an exercise would enable timely detection of new variants, if any, running in the country and facilitate requisite public health measures .
“Given the sudden spurt in cases in Japan, United States, Republic of Korea, Brazil and China, it is necessary to undertake whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variant through Indian SARS-CoV-2. 2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network,” Bhushan said.
Amid rising COVID-19 cases in China, a top Indian health expert has asked people to closely monitor the situation in the country. However, the expert said that there is no reason to panic as the country’s system is “vigilant”. The remarks were made by Dr NK Arora, Chairman of the COVID-19 Working Group NTAGI.
(with agency inputs)