The World Health Organisation (WHO) has showered praise on the Uttar Pradesh government for its COVID-19 management strategy that has helped in controlling the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“The UP government’s strategic response to COVID-19 by stepping up contact tracing efforts is exemplary and can serve as a good example for other states,” said Dr Roderico Ofrin, WHO country representative. 

The global health body appreciated the efforts made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government for the management of novel coronavirus infection, especially in tracking the high-risk contacts. 

Over 70,000 front-line health workers worked across the state to reach out to high-risk contacts of coronavirus positive cases. 

Acknowledging contact tracing as an essential public health tool for controlling the pandemic, Dr Ofrin said, “Systematic tracking of contacts through a proper mechanism is key, along with a well-trained health workforce, to implement the surveillance activities.”  

“The WHO team provided technical support to the state government to boost contact tracing efforts and strengthen the capacity of field teams through training. Field monitors assessed the quality of contact tracing of 58,000 COVID-19 cases in 75 districts and found that 93 percent of the high-risk contacts were traced and tested. This exercise helped the government in strengthening contact tracing in 17 districts where more than 12 000 high-risk contacts were missed for testing,” said Dr Madhup Bajpai, WHO-NPSP regional team leader, Uttar Pradesh Region.

In the wake of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the state government has also issued an alert to all the districts and special precautions are also being taken in view of the upcoming Chhath Puja. 

At present, there are 22,603 active cases in Uttar Pradesh and the recovery rate stands at 94.15 percent

It may be mentioned that the government has increased testing to keep a check on novel coronavirus infection and has also requested the people of the state to remain alert and follow all the precautions. 

Uttar Pradesh has already set a record in the country for carrying out the highest number of tests. On an average, more than 1.50 lakh Covid tests are being done in the state, again the highest in the country.