VIJAYAWADA: The Health Department has withdrawn its Covid-19 advisory issued on May 21, citing low severity of cases, negligible hospitalisations, and the absence of an advisory from the Government of India.
The decision followed a review meeting chaired by Special Chief Secretary (Health, Medical, and Family Welfare) MT Krishna Babu on May 24, with senior officials and Heads of Departments (HoDs) in attendance.
The advisory had been issued in response to sporadic Covid-19 cases and requests from district collectors seeking clarification. As per data reviewed at the meeting, 257 cases were reported across India since May 12, with Kerala (95), Tamil Nadu (66), Maharashtra (55), Karnataka (13), and Puducherry (10) accounting for most cases. Andhra Pradesh reported only three cases, all mild and managed through home isolation.
Officials from other states confirmed that hospitalisation rates remained low and no new restrictions had been implemented. The Union Health Ministry has also not issued updated guidelines, and the situation remains under control.
The Director of Medical Education (DME) noted that hospitals in the State had not seen any surge in fever cases. Sporadic Covid cases were being treated symptomatically, and patients were advised home isolation.
In light of this, the Commissioner of Health and Family Welfare, Veerapandian, directed all District Medical and Health Officers (DM&HOs) and hospital superintendents to stay alert and report any sharp increase in fever or sore throat cases. He also emphasised maintaining readiness with isolation wards, testing kits, PPE, N95 masks, oxygen supply, and essential medicines.
“The HoDs have been instructed to ensure preparedness and keep staff alert. Any further action will align with advisories issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare,” the commissioner said in a letter to officials.
District officials were asked to issue appropriate instructions for timely monitoring and reporting, without creating public panic.