The Union Government asked 5 states to closely monitor the surging numbers in COVID 19 cases. After witnessing emerging clusters, the Centre has asked them to maintain adequate testing facilities and to send samples from infected individuals for genome sequencing. 

Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Karnataka are the 5 states reporting a high number of daily cases. According to Mr. Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary, the weekly test positivity rates have risen to 0.73% from the previous rate of 0.52% last week. As per the letter, eleven districts in Kerala, two in Tamil Nadu, one district in Karnataka, and six districts in Maharashtra have reported a hike in new cases over the last week.

He also added that the five-fold strategy of test-track-treat-vaccination and adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour should be followed, as per the guidelines along with adequate testing and cluster monitoring. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/centre-writes-to-five-states-over-rising-covid-cases-asks-to-maintain-strict-watch/91995053 )