The global death toll due to coronavirus has crossed 30,000, with over six lakh being treated across the world. There were more than 121,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the United States, with 2,010 deaths, as per Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE). Italy remained the worst-hit country amid the coronavirus outbreak. As of Saturday, the total number of infections, fatalities and recoveries rose to 92,472.
The Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary, Government of India urged the chief secretaries to actively involve the district authorities in this effort. The screening of international incoming passengers at airports was done from January 18 in a phased manner. There is a gap in actual monitoring, says Rajiv Gauba.
Coronavirus Death Toll in India Jumps to 25, COVID-19 Cases Near 1000. Gauba has asked states to immediately strengthen surveillance of international air travellers who entered India between January 18 to March 23 as there appeared to be a “gap” between those being monitored for COVID-19 and 15 lakh arrivals during the period.
According to the latest figures, the number of coronavirus cases has risen to 979 including 48 foreign nationals. Out of these, 867 are active cases. At least 86 patients have been treated successfully and discharged, while one migrated, showed the data.
In a letter to chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Gauba said the gap in monitoring of international passengers “may seriously jeopardise the efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19”, given that many amongst the persons who have tested positive so far in India have history of international travel.
“As you are aware, we initiated screening of international incoming passengers at the airports with effect from January 18, 2020. I have been informed that up to March 23, 2020, cumulatively, Bureau Of Immigration has shared details of more than 15 lakh incoming international passengers with the States/UTs for monitoring for COVID-19.
“However, there appears to be a gap between the number of international passengers who need to be monitored by the States/UTs and the actual number of passengers being monitored,” Gauba said in his letter. The government had started monitoring of all international passengers who have arrived in India in last two months in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak.
Gauba said,”it is important that all international passengers are put under close surveillance to prevent the spread of the epidemic.” He further said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has repeatedly emphasised the importance of monitoring, and requested the states and UTs to take immediate steps in this regard.
According to sources, the 15 Lakh figure pertained to only air travellers and not those entering India through seaports or international land borders. “I would, therefore, like to request you to ensure that concerted and sustained action is taken urgently to put such passengers under surveillance immediately as per MoHFW guidelines,” he said.
The cabinet secretary also urged the chief secretaries to actively involve the district authorities in this effort. The screening of international incoming passengers at airports was done from January 18 in a phased manner. A nationwide lockdown was also announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday for 21 days.
