Three North Indian states - Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh as well as Union Territory Chandigarh - have witnessed a spurt in the Covid-19 cases post-Diwali. The situation has been further aggravated by the onset of the winter season.
The Union health ministry has deputed a high-level team in Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh to support the authorities in the Covid-19 response and management.
Meanwhile, the Himachal Pradesh government on Monday announced a slew of measures to deal with the Covid-19 threat, including the closure of educational institutions till December 31 and the imposition of night curfew in four districts.
"Night curfew has been imposed in Shimla, Kullu, Kangra and Mandi districts between 8 PM to 6 AM from November 24 onwards till December 15. The educational institutions have also been closed as a precautionary measure till December 31. Only 50 per cent office staff will be permitted and those found without masks will have to shell out Rs 1000 as fine," Himachal cabinet minister Suresh Bhardwaj said.
The measures were announced after Himachal witnessed a sharp rise in Covid-19 infections.
Covid-19 spike in Himachal
The death rate in Himachal Pradesh has climbed from 1.2 per cent to 1.6 per cent. Ninety people have died of the Covid-19 virus, which has spread even in the far-flung tribal areas like Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
According to a recent ICMR report, the remotely-located Lahaul-Spiti district has witnessed a 50 per cent rise in Covid-19 infections. The cases climbed after the Atal-Rohtang tunnel was opened on October 3.
The district, which has a population of 20,000 people, has reported 939 positive cases, out of which 417 are still active and six people have lost their lives. Forty-two out of 43 residents in Tholang village recently tested positive which compelled the authorities to put a blanket ban on the movement of tourists in the district till April 2021.
While Lahaul-Spiti district witnessed a 50 per cent rise in Covid-19 cases, the state capital Shimla registered a 17.2 per cent spike, Mandi 14.4 per cent and Kinnaur registered a13.5 per cent rise. The latest numbers have compelled the authorities to take strict action against the people violating the social distancing norms.
In order to deal with the situation, the Himachal Pradesh government has formed 8,000 teams - each team comprising two members - who will visit the people at their doorsteps to conduct the Covid-19 test. This campaign will start from November 25 and will last till December 27, 2020.
Haryana to enforce strict social distancing norms
Haryana has so far reported 2.17 lakh cases, out of which 1.95 have recovered and 2,188 have died.
The week ending November 22 recorded the second-highest number of Covid-19 cases at 17,426 ever since the pandemic broke in the state on March 17.
Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has directed the health department officials to get 1 crore masks for public distribution. Health Minister Anil Vij said that the state government was not in favour of imposing a lockdown but will strictly enforce the social distancing norms.
"We cannot impose a lockdown as it results in financial losses. Hence, we have decided to be strict with the violators," Anil Vij said.
Punjab witnesses 60% spurt during past 3 weeks
Neighbouring Punjab, during the past three weeks, witnessed a 60 per cent rise in Covid-19 cases.
Punjab, so far, has reported 1,46,000 Covid-19 cases, out of which 1,35,00 have recovered and 4,614 people died due to the deadly virus.
Meanwhile, Punjab has been preparing for the second spell of the Covid-19 pandemic. The state government has decided to open health and wellness centres to deal with this situation. Out of a proposed 3,049 health and wellness centres, 2,040 have already been made functional and 800 will be established during the next two months.
Out of the total 6,724 active Covid-19 cases, 136 patients reported difficulty in breathing and have been put on oxygen support. Thirteen patients are critically ill and have been put on ventilators.
260 people die of Covid-19 in Chandigarh
The Union territory and the dual capital of Punjab and Haryana, Chandigarh has also witnessed a rise in Covid-19 cases.
The UT has reported a total of 16,671 cases, out of which, 15,317 have recovered and 260 have died.
Over 80 people were found Covid-19 positive during the past 24 hours.
The administration, during the past 45 days, has conducted over 10,500 Covid-19 tests, out of which, 312 people were found positive.
Meanwhile, India Today TV - during a reality check in Chandigarh on Monday - found dozens of people without masks right under the nose of the authorities. Public bus service staff was also found roaming without masks. The screening of the passengers, as claimed previously, was also not being done.