COVID-19: The country has reached the stage of community transmission: Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi, Sunday 18 October 2020

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday finally admitted that India has reached the stage of community transmission due to corona infection. However, he also said that it is limited to only certain districts and states. His statement came after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said that the community transmission of Kovid-19 has started in the state.

Harsh Vardhan's statement came in response to a question during his weekly webinar 'Sunday Samvad'. It may be mentioned here that in this weekly webinar, Union Ministers talk to people on social media and answer the questions asked by them. Meanwhile, someone asked her, "Mamata Banerjee has said that there are examples of community transmission in the state. Do other states also have community transmission? '

He replied, "Community transmission is more likely in different areas in different states, including West Bengal, especially in densely populated areas." However, this is not happening across the country. It is limited to a few districts in a few states. '

It is noteworthy that for the first time, the Minister of Health has acknowledged the community transmission of Corona infection. He has always denied this in the past. Earlier this week, Mamata Banerjee urged the people of West Bengal to be cautious about the upcoming Durga Puja. "I urge everyone to adhere to the Covid-19 security protocol during the festive season," Banerjee said. Examples of community transmission of Covid-19 have been found in the state.

On the other hand, in July, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released a guideline document, which inadvertently revealed that community transmission in India had started in early April. The document was later removed from the Union Health Ministry's website.