Covid-19: Cabinet secretary says ‘gap’ in actual monitoring, asks states to strengthen surveillance urgently

NEW DELHI: Cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba has asked states to urgently strengthen the surveillance of international travellers who entered the country before the lockdown as there appeared to be a “gap” between the actual monitoring for Covid-19 and the total arrivals.

In a letter to chief secretaries of all States and Union Territories, Gauba said such a gap in monitoring of international passengers for coronavirus “may seriously jeopardise the efforts to contain the spread of Covid-19”, given that many amongst the persons who have tested positive so far in India have history of international travel.

“As you are aware, we initiated screening of international incoming passengers at the airports with effect from January 18, 2020. I