Patna, Jul 19 (IANS): As Bihar is witnessing a surge in coronavirus cases, a three-member team of the Union Health Ministry, led by Joint Secretary Lav Agarwal, reached Patna on Sunday and reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the state.

The team also discussed various aspects of Covid situation with the Chief Secretary and senior health officials of the state government and gave necessary instructions.

Apart from Agarwal, other members of the team included Director of National Centre for Disease Control Dr S.K. Singh and Associate Professor of AIIMS, New Delhi Neeraj Nischal.

Sources said the team laid emphasis on testing of close contacts of corona infected persons and to focus on monitoring the buffer and containment zones.

Bihar is witnessing a spike in coronavirus cases. With 1,412 fresh cases in the state on Sunday the total number went up to 26,379. So far 16,597 patients have been cured while 9,602 patients are undergoing treatment in various hospitals.

So far 179 people have died due to corona in Bihar. The recovery rate in Bihar has reached 62.91 per cent.