Updated: October 11, 2020 6:22:47 pm
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan during ‘Sunday Samvaad’, an interaction with his followers on social media.
The Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan hinted on Sunday that India could see an increase in the rate of Covid-19 transmission during the winter.
The minister’s comments came in the context of various reports that indicated that coronavirus cases will increase in colder weather, as respiratory illnesses tend to thrive during colder weather conditions.
Addressing his weekly social media engagement show Sunday Samvaad, Vardhan stated that SARS-CoV-2, which causes Covid-19 infection, is a respiratory virus and transmission of respiratory viruses is known to increase in weather. colder. Follow live Coronavirus updates here
“Respiratory viruses are known to thrive best in cold climates and low humidity conditions. There is another fact that must be taken into account. Many people’s residential homes are overcrowded in the winter season. This also increases the transmission of respiratory viruses, “he added.
#Watch now the fifth edition of #SundaySamvaad ! Shouldn’t there be a #NewNormal for festivals? Shouldn’t ‘Karma’ take precedence over ‘Dharma’? I answer these and many more … @MoHFW_INDIA @moesgoi @IndiaDST @DBTIndia @CSIR_IND https://t.co/PdLgDOs92c
– Dr. Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) October 11, 2020
Citing the example of European countries like the UK, Vardhan said the number of infections has increased with the onset of winter. “In view of these, it would not be wrong to assume that the winter season may see an increase in transmission rates of Sars Cov-2 also in the Indian context,” he said.
“This is the reason why we are emphasizing diligently following government prescribed precautions. They are so simple. There is no need to fear and shudder. Prevention is better than cure ”, said the minister, with a note of caution.
He also said that the government has yet to comment on granting an emergency authorization to vaccines in India, as they become available. He added that the Feluda paper strip test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 could be implemented in the coming weeks.
Currently, Covid vaccines are in various stages of phases 1, 2 and 3, the results of which are expected, Vardhan said.
Categorically denying the speculation that the government is prioritizing the youth and working class for the vaccine for economic reasons, Vardhan said: “The group prioritization for the COVID-19 vaccine will be based on two key considerations: occupational risk and risk. exposure to infection, and the risk of developing severe disease and increased mortality. “
On the issue of how the government plans to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, he said that vaccine supplies are anticipated to be available in limited quantities at first.
(With PTI inputs)
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