From Our Bureau
26th APRIL 2020
A total of 26,486 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country so far and the death toll mounted to 824 on Sunday. As many as 5,804 persons have been cured with a recovery rate of 21.9 per cent, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, Government of India is taking several steps along with the States/Union Territories for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
The Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, visited Trauma Centre of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), to take stock of preparedness to overcome COVID-19. He went round various wards in the state-of-the-art building having isolation facility for COVID-19 patients. He spoke to some COVID-19 affected patients through video call over phone, handled by Robot at the patient’s end and enquired about their well-being. He also sought their feedback about the facilities available in AIIMS, so that necessary improvements can be made.
After a detailed review, Dr Harsh Vardhan expressed satisfaction at the working of the various units. He also appreciated AIIMS, for ensuring 24X7 monitoring of the well-being of COVID-19 confirmed and suspected patients using digital platforms and video/ voice call technologies.
He urged the people of India to observe the lockdown 2.0 in letter and spirit and to treat it as an effective intervention to cut down spread of COVID-19. He stated that the situation is improving in India as Hot Spot Districts (HSD) are moving towards being Non Hot Spot Districts (NHSD).
The Cabinet Secretary had a detailed video conference with all the Chief Secretaries and DGPs of the States/UTs to review the preparedness for COVID-19 response. He highlighted that states which are having high cases loads should focus on effective implementation of lockdown measures and containment strategy. States also need to focus on medical infrastructure which includes adequate availability of isolation beds, ICU beds, ventilators etc. (eom)
