In view of increasing COVID-19 cases in Delhi-NCR and fearing second wave in Punjab, state Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has announced a slew of measures in an effort to reign in the Covid situation. These measures will be effective from December 1 and will continue till December 15 when the government will again review the situation.
- Night curfew is reimposed in all cities and towns from 10 pm to 5 am.
- Fine doubled from Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for not following COVID-19 appropriate behaviour – maintaining social distancing and wearing masks.
- The opening timings of all hotels, restaurants and marriage palaces restricted till 9.30 pm.
The CM has warned people against letting their guard down under any circumstances.
Dealing with inflow of Covid patients from Delhi
The high-level meeting also reviewed the health-care infrastructure in the state so that increased patients can be given appropriate medical attention. Private hospitals in the state will be encouraged to optimise more beds availability for Covid care.
Punjab CM has also ordered augmenting the availability of oxygen and ICU beds, with constant monitoring of those districts which are not equipped with L III facilities. The management practices in GMCHs and Civil Hospitals should also be examined in light of the recommendations of the report received from the expert group, he said.
The Health and Medical Education departments have been directed to make emergency appointments of specialists, super-specialists, nurses and paramedics. The departments have also been asked to consider preparing 4th and 5th year MBBS students as reserve and back-up, in case needed in the future.
On the testing front, the 25,500 daily RT-PCR testing capacity must be utilised and there must be targeted and regular testing of potential super spreaders, including government officials. All contacts of positive case should be tested. The district hospitals must have 24×7 testing available, and the same must also be made available at other convenient locations where people can easily access the same, he said.
Source: The Tribune
Image Credits: Google Images
