Is India staring at fourth Covid wave?

New Delhi: Center has written to Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Kerala to continue monitoring the spread of infection as Covid cases have started rising steadily.

The Centre has advised these five states in separate letters to undertake the required steps for prompt and effective management of the pandemic.

“A sustained and significant decline in the number of Covid-19 cases has been observed in India over the past 3 months. However, in past one week, a slight upsurge in cases is being noticed with 15,708 cases reported in the week ending May 27, 2022, rising to 21,055 cases reported in the week ending June 3, 2022,” the Health Ministry said.

The ministry also raised concern over the rising positivity rate.

“Also, there is a rise in weekly positivity from 0.52 percent in the week ending May 27, 2022, to 0.73 percent in the week ending June 3, 2022,” said Rajesh Bhushan, Health Secretary.

Bhushan said that there are a few states which are reporting a higher contribution to India’s cases indicating the possibility of a localized spread of infection.

“There is, therefore, a need to follow a risk assessment-based approach on the public health responses without losing the gains made so far in the fight against the pandemic,” he added.

The Centre has advised the states to continue implementation and monitoring of necessary measures for prompt and effective management of Covid-19 and to ensure compliance with various advisories issued by the ministry.