The second wave of COVID-19 is five times the previous peak in Rajasthan and UP, 4.5 times in Chhattisgarh and 3.3 times in Delhi, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
“Karnataka, Kerala, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Odisha are not only reporting higher peaks but also high COVID-19 case growth trajectory,” the Health Ministry said. In the second wave, the rate of rise in infection has been rapid which has put immense strain on health infrastructure, the ministry noted.
The Union Health Ministry added that it is closely coordinating with States regarding the availability and supply of medical oxygen and said that 8,593 MT of medical oxygen has been allocated to 23 States. According to the Union government, the second wave trends have been similar the world over.
“States are also advised to undertake oxygen consumption audit in all hospitals including private hospitals,” the Ministry said. Elaborating upon the efforts made to increase the availability of oxygen, the health secretary said that hospitals are being set up with jumbo oxygen cylinders.
Government working on increasing cryogenic cylinders
Efforts are also on to increase the number of cryogenic tankers for carrying medical oxygen, he said. “The Central government has asked states to convert nitrogen and other tankers into oxygen tankers. The government has also ordered cryogenic tankers from overseas,” he said.
The MoHFW said that COVID-19 suspected ward should be created in hospitals and all those patients who have symptoms but do not have test results should also be admitted to hospitals.
“Most deaths being reported by Maharashtra, Delhi… The second wave trends have been similar, the world over… We need to focus on vaccination,” the Ministry said.
AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria also spoke about the measures to be taken by patients who have tested positive for COVID-19. “The Patient under home isolation will stand discharged and end isolation after- at least 10 days have passed from the onset of symptoms and no fever for 3 days. There is no need for testing after the home isolation period is over,” Guleria said.
