Principal Secretary to Prime Minister Dr. P.K. Mishra today chaired a high-level meeting to assess the COVID-19 situation in the country in view of the rise in COVID cases. The meeting took stock of status of preparedness of health infrastructure and logistics, drugs, vaccination campaign and the key necessary steps. The meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba, Member NITI Aayog Dr. Vinod Paul, Secretary Health and Family Welfare Rajesh Bhushan and Secretary Information and Broadcasting Apurva Chandra among others.<br />'' <br />''Mr. Bhushan provided an overview of the global COVID-19 situation. He highlighted that India has been witnessing a rapid increase in the number of Covid-19 cases with majority of cases being reported in 8 states. <br />''<br />''These states are Kerala, Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. A detailed analysis of active cases within these 8 states was presented and it was highlighted that approximately 92 percent of the cases are under home isolation. Health Secretary also informed that States have already been advised to take steps for procurement of requisite Covid vaccine doses directly from the manufacturers at their end without any prior approvals from the Union Ministry of Health. Private Hospitals situated in the States can also directly procure Vaccines from the manufacturer.<br />'' <br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Dr. P.K. Mishra stressed on making sufficient health infrastructure available at sub-district level that for managing localized surges. He also said that the advisories for States should be assessed based on evolving scenario and updated accordingly. He asked officials to maintain a strict vigil on the Covid-19 situation and take necessary actions to contain the COVID-19 spread.</span><br />