Follow Covid-appropriate behaviour, Indian Medical Association appeals to public

In view of the sudden spike in Covid cases in different countries, the Indian Medical Association has sounded the alarm and appealed to the public to immediately follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

Hyderabad: In view of the sudden spike in Covid cases in different countries, the Indian Medical Association has sounded the alarm and appealed to the public to immediately follow Covid appropriate behaviour.

Major countries including the US, Japan, South Korea, France and Brazil reported nearly 537,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, the IMA said in a statement on Thursday, citing reports. India has reported 145 new cases in the past 24 hours, four of which are the new Chinese variant BF.7.

With a strong public and private sector infrastructure, dedicated medical manpower, active leadership support from the government, and sufficient medicines and vaccines, India will be able to deal with any eventuality as it has in the past, said IMA National Chairman, Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh and Dear Secretary General Dr. Jayesh Lele.

However, the IMA called on the government to step up its preparations for any such situation arising in 2021, issuing necessary instructions to relevant ministries and departments to provide emergency medicine, oxygen supply and ambulance services. The IMA has also issued advice to its state and local branches to take necessary preparedness measures in the event of a Covid outbreak in their area.

IMA recommended steps:

*Use masks in all public places
*Maintain social distance
* Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or sanitizer
* Avoid public gatherings such as weddings, political or social meetings
* Avoid international travel
* If you have any symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, cough, reduced mobility, etc., please consult your doctor
* Early vaccination including preventive doses of Covid vaccine