Don’t worry, but be alert: Harish on Covid

HYDERABAD: Health minister T. Harish Rao on Thursday held a high level review on Covid preparedness during which he said there was no need to worry about the infection but there was a need to be vigilant.

The meeting was held following instructions of the Centre in light of the rise of Covid cases in many countries including China. The minister said the health department was ready to tackle the situation. He advised those who have not yet taken the vaccine or the booster shot to do so immediately.

Officials briefed the minister about the spread and impact of the Omicron BF.7 variant in different countries. Harish Rao said under the direction of the Chief Minister, Telangana had fared the best among states in fighting Covid.

He directed officials to keep human resources, medicines, oxygen and ICU beds fully ready. As per the instructions of the Central government, positive samples should be sent to Gandhi Hospital for genome sequencing and screening should be conducted at the airport,” he said.

The meeting was attended by health secretary S.A.M. Rizvi, family welfare commissioner Swetha Mohanty, Director of Public Health Dr G. Srinivasa Rao, Director of Medical Education Dr K. Ramesh Reddy, TSMSIDC chairman Errolla Srinivas, MD Chandrasekhar Reddy and TVVP commissioner Ajay Kumar.