Covid-19: Andhra Pradesh issues advisory, urges citizens to wear masks, avoid gatherings

Andhra Pradesh Health Department has asked citizens to refrain from mass gatherings, whether it is prayer meetings, parties, events or social functions. 

 

This comes against the backdrop of some suspected Covid patients seeking treatments in the state. The health officials have sent their samples for testing and are awaiting results. Meanwhile, the administration is taking no chances after Covid cases have been reported in some states in India and countries like Singapore and Hong Kong. 

 

People have also been asked to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour in public places like bus stops, railway stations and airports. People have been encouraged to wear masks and follow proper hygiene. As per the advisory, senior citizens have been asked to exercise caution and stay indoors. Patients who show symptoms of Covid should get tested. Also, travellers who have been to countries where Covid cases are high should also get tested. 

 

The advisory also reminds of the symptoms that one needs to watch out for. Health officials have also been asked to be ready with PPE kits and activate testing centres. In the last few days, suspected cases have been reported from Kadapa, Vizag and other districts. 

 

“A 75-year-old person had approached a hospital for treatment. She had a cold and fever. We have taken her samples and sent them for testing. Rumours are being spread that she is Covid positive which is not true. If the samples turn out to be positive, we will inform the centre too. There is no need to panic,” said a Health official from Kadapa. 

 

According to another government source, testing had almost come to a halt as there is no trace of any coronavirus cases. They remain on alert due to ongoing news of new COVID variants emerging from Southeast Asia. The AP government is also sharing awareness messages on X, urging citizens to wear masks.

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