India has recorded 11,692 fresh cases in the past 24 hours, according to the data shared by the Union Health Ministry marking a dip from Thursdays tally of 12,591 cases. On April 20, India recorded 12,591 cases, while on April 19, 7,633 cases were reported, and on April 18, 9,111 cases were seen. The number of cases has seen both, a decline and a rise in the past week.As per reports of the Union Health Ministry, India has seen a rise in active cases which is 66,170 as compared to 65,286 yesterday. The release further stated that the recovery rate stands at 98.68 percent with 0.15 percent of active cases.#COVID19 Update▪️3,647 doses administered in last 24 hours▪️Indias Active caseload currently stands at 66,170▪️Active cases stand at 0.15%▪️Recovery Rate currently at 98.67%Read here: https://t.co/D8IyeRafvc pic.twitter.com/aAcSTJvioN— PIB India (@PIB_India) April 21, 2023Meanwhile, a total of 2,29,739 tests have been conducted in the past 24 hours, according to the health ministry. Further, 10,780 recoveries with Covid are seen in the last 24 hours taking it to the overall count of 4,42,72,256 cases.Covid Vaccination DriveIndia has so far administered 220,66,31,979 crore covid vaccine doses, which includes 95.51 crores of second doses and 22.87 crores of precautionary doses, of which 3,647 doses were administered yesterday.High-level meeting on CovidPK Mishra, the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, chaired during the high-level meeting on Wednesday to assess the situation in light of the recent surge of Covid-19 cases across the nation. The focus of the discussion, according to a statement from the PMO, was on the readiness of the countrys health infrastructure and logistics, medicine availability, the countrys vaccination program, and the crucial actions that must be taken in response to the recent spike in COVID cases.Also, during the meeting, a comprehensive presentation on the global Covid-19 situation was made by the Secretary of Health and Family Welfare. Further, the expenditure of the Covid-19 vaccination programme and budget provisions for drugs and vaccine raw materials were also reviewed.The Union Ministry of Health has already notified states that they may proceed with the direct purchase of the necessary doses of the Covid vaccination from manufacturers at their own expense, according to the Health Secretary. Private hospitals located in the states may also buy such vaccinations directly from the manufacturer. Once obtained, these vaccinations may be given in according to the current Covid vaccination guidelines.Precaution can take as health mattersThe covid-19 has been part of everybodys life since 2020. So, according to some experts, it is important to stay vigilant and know how one can protect self from the virus.Maintain Social distancingThe highly contagious virus is most commonly spread during close contact through respiratory droplets of the infected person. So, it is important to maintain a 6-feet gap while in a crowded place. Scientists also note that Covid-19 can also be spread by airborne transmission, although it is less common some infections linger in the air for minutes to hours, so these viruses may be able to infect the person. These transmissions generally occur in closed places.Wear a maskThe facial mask has become an accessory since the novel coronavirus has come. Wear a face mask in public places to avoid getting infected. However, it does not replace social distancing recommendations.Image: TwitterWash your hands frequentlyMaintaining proper hygiene is a crucial practice that aids in limiting the transmission of COVID-19. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after being in a public area or after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose. One should also make habit of washing hands after touching the mask, after changing diapers, and after touching animals or pets. If soap or water is not readily available, use a hand sanitiser which contains 60 percent of alcohol. Avoid touching your face without washing your hands.Disinfect frequently touched areasEvery day, disinfect commonly touched surfaces in addition to washing your hands. This includes desks, phones, keyboards, light switches, counters, handles, toilets, faucets, and sinks.Watch for symptomsSymptoms can include, a cold, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, sore throat, congestion or runny nose. If you are facing any of these symptoms, get in touch with a doctor and get the covid test done.By making all these a part of daily habits, one can avoid getting infected with the virus.
