Grocery shops, vendors could be potential COVID spreaders, test them: Health Min to states

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in country at an alarming pace, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has pointed out that grocery shops, vegetable, and or vendors can be potential spreers of COVID-19 infection to a large number of people. He asserted that aggressive testing should be conducted of such people in order to detect and treat infection promptly and avoid its spre furr. This comes after cases being reported in newer areas in country which did t see a rise in COVID-19 cases earlier.

" COVID-19 pandemic is w spreing to newer areas in country. re are likely to be scattered cases, clusters of cases or large outbreaks being reported from districts. primary aim is to control outbreaks, especially in new locations. focus at same time should be to save lives at all costs. While we have done so far done better than many or countries in this respect, our aim should be to furr reduce mortality and ensure that it does t cross 1 per cent mark," Bhushan said in a letter written to all Chief Secretaries and health secretaries of State.

RE | Kozhikode Air India Crash LIVE Updates: Plane With 190 Onboard Skids Off Runway, 17 De

RE | Air India Kozhikode Crash: PM Modi Speaks To Kerala CM, Promises All Possible Assistance

"re can be potential hotspots for spre of infection like industrial clusters with closed work environment, people coming from high prevalence areas, or high-density areas such as slums, prisons, old homes etc," letter ded.

"In dition, grocery shops, vegetable and or vendors etc can be potential spreers of infection to a large number of people. Testing in such areas and of such people should be taken up proactively as per Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines," health secretary said.

Bhushan emphasised on aggressive testing so as to ensure detection of cases in early sts and proceed with prompt isolation and treatment. Contact tracing must be done immediately in next three days after a person has been found to be COVID-19 positive and contacts must be quarantined.

"Weekly death audits must be performed to assess determinants of death such as differentials, comorbidities, late reporting to hospital and clinical protocols that were followed. This will help identify challenges to be dressed and will facilitate effective case reporting and ensure timely and required medical interventions," it ded.

India's COVID-19 case tally crossed 20-lakh mark with a highest single-day spike of 62,538 cases on Friday. India's total COVID cases as on August 7 stand at 20,27,074 of which 6,07,384 are active while 13,78,105 have recovered and 41,585 people have died so far. lockdown has been extended to August 31 under 'Unlock 3'.

(With ANI inputs)

RE | Air India Plane Crash: Amit Shah 'distressed'; Directs NDRF To Assist In Rescue Operations

RE | Kozhikode Crash: Air India Issues Statement, Says ‘all Passengers Sent To Hospitals’