Chairing a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned against complacency and advised strict vigil and reiterated that COVID-19 is not over yet and directed officials to strengthen the ongoing surveillance measures, especially at the international airports.

A comprehensive presentation was made regarding the global COVID-19 situation including the rising cases in countries by Secretary, Health and Member, NITI Aayog. The Prime Minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a steady decline in cases with average daily cases falling to 153 and weekly positivity down to 0.14% in the week ending 22nd December, 2022. However, 5.9 lakh daily average cases have been reported globally since the last six weeks.

The Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure that the entire Covid infrastructure at all levels is maintained at a high level of preparedness in terms of equipment, processes, and human resources. 

He advised states to audit Covid specific facilities to ensure operational readiness of hospital infrastructure, including oxygen cylinders, PSA plants, ventilators, and human resources.

The Prime Minister directed officials to ramp up testing and also genomic sequencing efforts. States have been asked to share a larger number of samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories (lGSLs) for Genome Sequencing on a daily basis. This will support timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country and facilitate undertaking requisite public health measures.

The Prime Minister urged everyone to follow Covid appropriate behaviour at all times, especially in view of the upcoming festive season, including wearing masks in crowded public places.

The Prime Minister also urged that that precaution dose may be encouraged especially for vulnerable and elderly groups. He was informed that there is adequate availability with regard to medicines, vaccines and hospital beds.

He also advised to regularly monitor availability and prices of essential medicines. Highlighting the globally appreciated work of the frontline healthcare workers, the Prime Minister exhorted them to continue working in the same selfless and dedicated manner.

The meeting was attended by Amit Shah, Union Home Minister; Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Health and Family Welfare; Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation; Dr S. Jaishankar; Minister of External Affairs; Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information and Broadcasting; Bharati Pravin Pawar, Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare; P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM; Parameswaran Iyer, CEO, NITI Aayog; Dr. V. K. Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Amit Khare, Advisor, PMO; A. K. Bhalla, Home Secretary; Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary (HFW); Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary (DHR); Arun Baroka, Secretary, Pharmaceuticals (I/C); along with other senior officials.