In response to growing concerns over a possible surge in COVID-19 cases, especially in states like Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, the Uttarakhand Health Department has issued a high alert. District authorities have been instructed to enhance monitoring and readiness across all government and private hospitals, medical colleges, and diagnostic laboratories.
Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has directed that all patients showing symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) must undergo mandatory COVID-19 testing. The results are to be promptly uploaded to the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP). Hospitals have also been asked to set up dedicated flu clinics, and earmark isolation wards, and ensure early isolation and treatment of suspected cases.
Mildly symptomatic patients are to be managed under home isolation with regular health monitoring, while severe cases are to be immediately referred to hospitals. The state is also emphasizing genome sequencing of COVID-positive samples to track any mutations in the virus, with testing facilitated through government medical colleges.
Additionally, the state government has highlighted the need for extra vigilance during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, which is witnessing heavy footfall from states with rising COVID numbers and from international travellers. Health Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar confirmed that all Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) have been instructed to step up disease surveillance under the guidelines of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP).
Hospitals are being asked to maintain adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen cylinders, and ventilators. The authorities have also issued helpline numbers to ensure timely resolution of public concerns and mandated timely data entry on infections and hospitalizations to the IDSP portal.
Strict action has been warned against institutions failing to comply with state and central COVID guidelines, as the government aims to preempt any resurgence through proactive measures.
