Tag: COvid_19

‘Around 1,30,000 COVID19 tests have been conducted till yesterday, positivity rate has not increased substantially in the last 1-2 months, it is ranging between 3%-5%’

April 9, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

Excerpts from the daily Media Briefing on #COVID2019, at National Media Centre, Press Information Bureau HQ:

  • .473 people recovered and have been discharged.
  • Total no. of Active Covid cases in the country is 5,734.
  • In last 24 hours there has been 540 new cases.
  • Around 1,30,000 COVID2019 tests have been conducted till yesterday, out of which 5,734 were positive.
  • Positivity rate has not increased substantially in the last 1-2 months, it is ranging between 3%-5%.
  • 13,143 samples were tested yesterday.

There is a feeling of fear being created that PPEs are not enough; we must understand that PPEs are not required for everyone, as per guidelines issued earlier.

  • There is a feeling of fear being created that PPEs are not enough; we must understand that PPEs are not required for everyone, as per guidelines issued earlier.
  • What is important is that PPEs are used for the right purpose, where it is needed.
  • PPE is not only a cover-all – it is a mix of different components.
  • All components are required only in high-risk zones, such as labs where samples are collected, emergency rooms & mortuary-related activities; in other zones, N95 masks & gloves will be sufficient.
  • There is no need for any fear regarding availability of PPEs; Govt. is making efforts to provide sufficient stock to States.
  • What is important is that we use PPE for the right purpose, as per the right process.
  • Supply of PPE, N95 Masks and ventilators was discussed in the Group of Ministers meeting.
  • Supply of above items has started arriving – 20 domestic manufacturers have been developed to supply PPE, order has been placed for 1.7 crore PPE & 49,000 ventilators.

NGOs have been permitted to buy food grains directly from Food Corporation of India through Open Market Scheme, so that they can utilize this for philanthropic activities for the welfare of migrant workers & poor people.

  • Hydroxychloroquine should be used as per norms; it is to be given only to contacts & doctors dealing with #COVID2019 patients; this can be harmful to people suffering from cardiac problems.
  • Hence, HCQ should be used only by the specified categories of people.
  • The nation has made proper preparation and planning regarding current and future requirement of hydroxychloroquine; current stock is more than enough.

Govt. is 100% prepared to meet emergent needs.