In light of recent increases in COVID-19 cases across the nation, the Center on Saturday 25 March, 2023, advised the states and Union Territories on optimising COVID-19 testing. A gradual but "sustained increase" in the trajectory of COVID-19 cases in the nation has been observed since mid-February, according to the advisory released by the ICMR DG Dr. Rajiv Bahl and Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.

In order to assess each hospital's readiness for COVID, the government has also scheduled a nation wide mock exercise on April 10 and 11. Public and private healthcare institutions from all districts are required to take part in the exercise. In the virtual meeting planned for Monday March 27, 2023, the states will be informed of the specifics of the mock drill.

As of right now, only a few states—Kerala (26.4%), Maharashtra (21.7%), Gujarat (13.9%), Karnataka (8.6%), and Tamil Nadu (6.3%)—have recorded the majority of the nation's active COVID-19 cases. The Center advised states and UTs to keep a careful eye on how the aetiologies (disease causes) of influenza, such as illness and severe acute respiratory illness. 

The Union Health Minister and the ICMR informed that COVID-19 and Influenza shares a number of similarities between them. In terms of mode of transmission, high risk population, clinical signs and symptoms. Both of these are easily preventable by following simple public health measures like avoiding crowds, using a handkerchief while sneezing, coughing and while wearing a mask and to maintain proper hygiene. The Health Ministry has ordered the states to be prepared with medical equipments, hospital beds, oxygen cylinders and vaccination for conducting mock drill.