In light of a potential localized virus spread, the Centre on Thursday asked that six states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka — adopt a risk assessment-based strategy to prevent and restrict the spread of COVID-19 infections. "There are a few states which are reporting higher numbers of cases indicating the possible localised spread of infection," Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has written in a letter to these states. Assuring proper adherence to the numerous warnings given by the Ministry of Health, Bhushan asked these states to assess the COVID-19 situation at the micro-level and keep focus on the implementation of necessary steps for early and effective management of the disease. He added that India had seen a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 cases over the previous few months and urged the states to maintain a close eye on things. However, over the previous few weeks, there has been an increase in instances, particularly in some regions of the nation; 2,082 cases were reported in the week ending March 8 and 3,264 cases in the week ending March 15, respectively.

Key Points

• In light of a potential localised virus spread, the Centre on Thursday asked that six states — Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka — adopt a risk assessment-based strategy to prevent and restrict the spread of COVID-19 infections.

• Over the previous few weeks, there has been an increase in instances, particularly in some regions of the nation; 2,082 cases were reported in the week ending March 8 and 3,264 cases in the week ending March 15, respectively.