Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Govt of India

ICMR releases guidelines for operational mechanisms for establishing COVID-19 Biorepositories

In the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, while it is of paramount importance to provide early diagnosis and treatment to all infected individuals, it is also critical to promote research and development for larger public health benefit. For development and validation of new diagnostics, therapeutics, or vaccines, access to different kinds of clinical samples from infected patients is an essential requirement. NITI Aayog has recently issued guidelines for sharing of biospecimens and data for research related to COVID-19. This document, released by ICMR on 23rd July 2020, in tandem lays down the brief processes and operational mechanisms for establishing COVID-19 biorepositories in the country. Currently, there is no structured mechanism for collecting and storing these valuable clinical samples. In view of this, it is important to create designated biorepositories for collecting, storing, and maintaining clinical samples (Oropharyngeal/Nasopharyngeal swabs, Bronchoalveolar lavage, Sputum, Blood, Urine and Stool) of COVID-19 patients. Such samples will be used to develop validated diagnostics, therapeutics, vaccines etc. Additionally, the samples will be a valuable resource for research & development-related activities to understand the early predictors of disease severity, immunopathogenesis of the disease, etc.

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DGHS releases advisory for Gated Residential Complexes with regards to COVID-19

Resident Welfare Associations functioning in gated complexes can play an active role in creating awareness about the COVID-19 disease, simple preventive measures that need to be followed, encourage early reporting and inform community about myths and stigma often encountered by patients, healthcare or other frontline workers. Accordingly, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) issued guidelines for Gated Residential Complexes with regards to COVID-19. This document outlines the preventive and response measures to be observed to minimize and contain the spread of COVID-19 in gated complexes. The purpose of this document is to advice and guide RWAs/residential societies in prevention and control of COVID-19 transmission in gated residential complexes. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years should be encouraged to stay at home only and keep contact with visitors/ guests to a minimum.

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DGHS releases guidelines for Gated Residential Complexes desirous of setting up small COVID care facility

The community living in gated complexes may like to create small COVID Care Facility within the residential complex managed either by the RWAs/Residential Societies or in collaboration with an NGO. This may be more acceptable to the residents and will help reduce the burden on existing facilities for managing suspect/pre-symptomatic/asymptomatic/very mild cases of COVID-19. Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) issued guidelines for Gated Residential Complexes Desirous of Setting up Small COVID Care Facility by Resident Welfare Associations/Residential Societies/NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs). This guidance document has been prepared to help RWAs/Residential Societies/ NGOs desirous of establishing a small COVID Care Facility, a community-based isolation facility, with their own resources.

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