We still need to be vigilant: Health Secretary to states with Covid spike

Alerting states that have witnessed a surge in Covid-19 cases over the past week, Union Health Secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, in a letter today urged- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Maharashtra to continue with their strict testing and surveillance regimen.

"States are advised 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," read the readout.

Maharashtra on Thursday recorded 1,045 new coronavirus infections and one death, taking the active tally to 4,559. The state's caseload stands at 78,89,212, and death toll is 1,47,861.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday said people should use face masks, vaccinate themselves and follow discipline if they don't wish to experience COVID-19 restrictions again.