Strict Curbs In Districts With Over 10% Positivity Rate: Centre To States

Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur are the states that are either witnessing a surge in new Covid cases or a rise in positivity rate.

Ten states are seeing an upsurge in Covid cases, the government said today, stressing on the need of strict restrictions in districts witnessing a positivity rate of more than 10 per cent. Apart from focusing on strict containment measures, states were also told today to "ramp up vaccination in the 60+ and 45-60 age categories as evidence shows near 80 per cent of the mortality is from these vulnerable age-group."  The centre's fresh review comes amid concern over a third Covid wave.  Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Assam, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Andhra Pradesh and Manipur are the states that are either witnessing a surge in new Covid cases or a rise in positivity rate, the Union Health Ministry said in a statement. With 46 districts recording more than 10 per cent positivity rate, and 53 districts recording a positivity rate between 5-10 per cent, states have been told to ramp up testing. "Any laxity at this stage will result in deterioration of the situation in these districts," the centre has warned.  The measures were discussed at a review meet held by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan that was also attended by the Indian Council of Medical Research's Director General Dr Balram Bhargava, besides top health officials from the states.