India is witnessing a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases, the authorities tasked with making containment strategies for Coronavirus will meet today to discuss the current situation. A new strain of Covid-19, XBB.1.16 is the reason behind the rapid surge in the cases.
On March 18, India records over 900 new Covid cases in 24 hours, the highest single-day surge in the past few months. Union Health Ministry on Monday reported 918 fresh cases.
According to the data released by the Health Ministry, the infection tally stands at 4.46 crore (4,46,96,338). The country’s COVID-19 death toll has increased to 5,30,806, with four latest fatalities – two reported by Rajasthan, one by Karnataka, and one death reported by Kerala.
Keeping in view of the rising cases, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday issued revised guidelines:
- Antibiotics should not be used unless there is clinical suspicion of bacterial infection.
- The possibility of coinfection of COVID-19 with other endemic infections must be considered.
- Systemic corticosteroids are not indicated in mild disease.
Kerala, Maharashtra, and Gujarat record the highest number of cases. The Centre has advised the three states along with Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka to follow a five-fold strategy of the test, track, treat, and vaccinations.
