Guwahati: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has appealed to the public to adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour with immediate effect in order to stop the virus’s future spread after China recorded an unprecedented daily surge in infections.
Additionally, the IMA released a public statement outlining the procedures that must be taken to stop “the oncoming Covid pandemic.”
In its advisory, the IMA emphasised maintaining social distance, routine handwashing with soap and water or sanitizers, and urging the public to wear face masks in crowded locations.
The IMA reported that the general population has been urged to stay away from events like weddings, social or political gatherings, and, if at all possible, overseas travel. It further urged people to acquire Covid vaccinations with prophylactic doses as soon as possible and to visit doctors if they have any symptoms such as fever, sore throat, coughing, loose stools, etc.
“In view of the sudden surge of COVID cases in different countries, the Indian Medical Association alerts and appeals to the public to follow COVID appropriate behaviour with immediate effect. As per the available reports, nearly 5.37 lakhs new cases have been reported in the last 24 hours from major countries like the USA, Japan, South Korea, France, and Brazil. India has reported 145 new cases in last 24 hours, out of which four cases are the new China variant – BF.7,” the advisory stated.
Additionally, it asked the government to step up preparations “for any such catastrophe as observed in 2021” by giving the required directives to the relevant Ministries and Departments to prepare emergency supplies of medications, oxygen, and ambulance services.
Four instances of the BF.7 Omicron sub-variant which is thought to be responsible for the recent spike in infections in China were reported from India in the past six months. According to reports, there are currently 10 different Covid-19 types in the nation, with BF.7 being the newest.