Mask usage declining in India, warns govt

Fri, 10 December 2021

16:53

Update on the Union Health ministry presser:

Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog: WHO is warning against the decline in mask usage. Global scene of Omicron is disturbing. We are now operating at a risky and unacceptable level. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important.

Mask usage is declining. We have to remember that both vaccines and masks are important. We should learn from the global situation.

Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR: "Regular meetings are being organised to keep a watch on global scenario and Covid scene in India with a focus on Omicron. We need help to not spread panic. District level restrictions to be implemented where positivity over 5 per cent."

Lav Aggarwal, Joint Secretary: "WHO highlighted that public health measures should be abided by on a continual basis, besides vaccination. Adequate precautions have to be followed. Laxity in public health measures leading to a surge in cases in Europe.

"Surveillance, effective screening, monitoring of international travellers and health infrastructure upgradation is being done. States have been notified to increase their surveillance and actively test passengers arriving from other countries."

TOP STORIES

LIVE! Iran fires missiles at joint US-UK base in Indian Ocean

Iran's Consul-General: 'We Hold The Upper Hand'

'Despite the large number of missiles and drones we have already launched, we still possess reserves and missile cities whose doors have not yet been opened,' says Iran's Consul-General Saeid Reza Mosayeb Motlagh.

US lifts sanctions on Iran oil at sea for a month amid crisis

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on the sale of Iranian oil already in transit to ease soaring global crude prices, making 140 million barrels available to the market.

India grapples with LPG crunch, but panic buying eases

India continues to face LPG supply challenges for the third consecutive week due to disruptions caused by the West Asia conflict, though panic buying is showing signs of easing. The government is prioritising domestic household supplies...

US narrative echoes Vietnam-era 'Five O'Clock Follies': Iran

Araghchi remarked that US messaging currently echoes the Vietnam War-era "Five O'Clock Follies," suggesting a systematic misrepresentation of military progress.