Citing low levels of infection in the state, the Andhra Pradesh Health department has withdrawn its earlier Covid-19 advisory issued on May 21. A review meeting was held by the Special Chief Secretary of Health on Saturday with the Heads of Departments (HoDs), which led to this decision.
The initial advisory, which was issued by the Director of Public Health of the AP government urged the public to avoid mass gatherings, such as social and religious events.
It recommended home isolation for elderly individuals and pregnant women, mandatory mask usage and encouraged testing for those exhibiting symptoms like fever and cough.
ALSO READ | Rising Covid cases in India: An expert's take on why coronavirus keeps evolving
However, in the latest letter, dated May 24, it clarified that the situation remains under control in the state, because of which the advisory was being withdrawn.
The letter revealed the latest data, according to which 257 Covid-19 cases were reported in India from May 12 to May 21. Out of the total cases, three were from Andhra Pradesh. Other affected states include Kerala with 95 cases, Tamil Nadu with 66 cases, Maharashtra with 55 and Karnataka with 13 cases.
“Director, Medical Education had reported that there is no spike in fever cases in any hospital and only sporadic covid cases are being reported. They are being treated and being sent for home isolation after proper advise. Few state governments where more cases are reported also have been consulted and learnt that there is no alarming rise in hospitalisations and complications arising in Covid cases and no restrictions have been imposed in any place,” the letter read.
ALSO READ | Multiple COVID-19 cases reported in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The letter stated that there was no official advisory from the central government and it has not imposed any fresh restrictions.
However, health officials were asked to continue to monitoring, ensuring availability of PPE kits, N95 masks, medicines and isolation wards. The letter has also turned into a political issue in the state.
The primary opposition, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP), has alleged that the withdrawal of advisory was politically motivated to facilitate the TDP’s upcoming three-day ‘Mahanadu’ event, in which thousands are expected to participate. They accused the government of prioritising political agenda over public health.
