Withthe state continuing to report high Covid positivity and CFR, Punjab ChiefMinister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday ordered extension of all theexisting restrictions up to May 31, with directions for strict enforcement ofall the curbs.
TheChief Minister said the DCs will continue to determine opening of shops in astaggered manner and enforce other restrictions to check spread of Covid,especially in rural areas. They can also make suitable amendments based onlocal condition as long as these do not dilute the state’s overallrestrictions, said the Chief Minister.
Thedistrict authorities shall continue to ensure strict implementation of all thedirectives of the MHA/state government on Covid appropriate behaviour,including social distancing norms, regulating crowds in market places andpublic transport, and imposition of penalties prescribed for violation ofnorms/restrictions.
Reviewingthe state’s Covid situation at a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister saidwhile the restrictions so far had shown results, with some decline in day onday positivity and cases coming down from around 9000 to 6000 in this period,there was need to extend the same in view of the high positivity of 13.1% as ofthe May 9-15 period, with CFR standing at 2.4.
TheChief Minister also directed the district administrations to investigatecomplaints of fleecing of patients by some private hospitals, warning thatthese would be shut down if they continue to indulge in such practices. Suchcases have to be strictly dealt with, he said, directing the police departmentto crack down on those found indulging in hoarding or black marketing of anyCovid related essentials or medicines.
TheChief Minister also expressed concern over the spread of the new fungaldisorder associated with Covid. He stressed the need to increase surveillancefor this disease as, if it is not treated early, it can cause severecomplications. He also directed the health department to ensure that medicinesto treat this disease are available with the state. These should be procuredbefore there is panic for these medicines as well, he said, and asked thedepartment to also re-examine the SOP to see if there is anything that can bedone to prevent this disease from occurring. Dr KK Talwar termed the fungal infections as a serious issue, whichcould be attributed to either high use of steroids or use of undistilled waterin Oxygen.
Onthe availability of Oxygen, the Chief Minister said that while the state,through judicious measures, had been able to prevent any mishap, the situationshould be closely monitoring by the health department. The state government hadsuccessfully arranged for PSA plants, oxygen concentrators etc which willfurther help tackle oxygen shortages, he added. The state was expecting over2500 oxygen concentrators on the ground within this month, he said, directingthe department to ensure the best use of the same.
CaptainAmarinder further directed the Health and Medical Education departments tocontinue to ensure that there is no problem at any point with respect tohospital capacity, especially with regard to L-3 beds.
Heasked the DCs to ensure that food kits are delivered to those in quarantine,reiterating that nobody should be allowed to go to sleep hungry. Hecomplimented the DGP on the successful launch of the `Bhojan Helpline’.
Thesituation continues to be grim, leaving no scope for laxity, said the ChiefMinister, directing DGP Dinkar Gupta to ensure strict compliance of thestrictions, with no deviation to be allowed. While appreciating the efforts ofvarious departments in combating the pandemic, he said the battle continuesamid apprehensions of more possible waves ahead.