Haryana records highest single-day rise of 64 COVID deaths, 10,985 cases; Gurgaon worst-hit

CHANDIGARH: Haryana on Sunday recorded the highest single-day rise in its COVID-19 death toll with 64 more people succumbing to the disease on Sunday as well as 10,985 fresh cases, which pushed the tally to 4,24,319.

Gurgaon district continued to remain the worst-hit as it again recorded a big spike in cases on Sunday.

In view of a surge in COVID-19 cases to check further spread of the infection, the district administration of Gurgaon and a few other districts, which have seen a spike in cases, on Sunday ordered imposition of Section 144 of the CrPC with immediate effect prohibiting the gathering of more than four people at one place, unless specifically permitted.

The other districts where these prohibitory orders have been issued include Panchkula, Faridabad, Hisar and Sonipat.

However, these orders shall not apply on police force and other public servants on duty, persons of medical industries/institutions, persons working in sectors related to essential products or services, officials said.

In another order issued by the Gurgaon district magistrate on Sunday, all IT/ITES units in the district shall operate their offices through work from home till 9 am of May 3.

Meanwhile, according to the health department daily bulletin, the latest deaths included 11 from Gurgaon, 10 from Faridabad, seven from Hisar, six from Karnal and five each from Sonipat and Ambala districts.

With the fresh deaths, Haryana's death toll due to the viral disease climbed to 3,767.

Among the districts that reported a big spike in COVID-19 cases are Gurgaon (3,410), Faridabad (1,560), Hisar (940), Sonipat (610), Karnal (570) and Sirsa (469).

The number of active COVID-19 cases in the state were 74,248.

So far, 3,46,304 people have recovered and the state has a recovery rate of 81.61 per cent, the bulletin said.

In the wake of sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, all the deputy commissioners have been instructed to take decisions as per local needs regarding imposing Section 144 CrPC, fixing the minimum number of employees in the government offices in the districts, and ensuring that there is no crowd gathering anywhere.

The Haryana Police on Sunday launched helpline numbers for people to share information related to black marketing of medical oxygen cylinders, Remdesivir injections and drugs, critical for treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Director General of Police Manoj Yadava said citizens, who have any information about black marketing of oxygen cylinders and other life saving drugs, can contact on 7087089947 and toll-free number 1800-180-1314 for quick action.

Amid rising cases of coronavirus, the move is aimed at effectively stopping black marketing of oxygen cylinders and drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19, a statement issued by Haryana police said.

"If anyone receives any such information, he can immediately make a complaint to the police stating the name and number of the person who indulges in black marketing."

"Strict action as per law would be taken against people found involved in such heinous crime during the prevailing COVID situation. The identity of the informer will be kept confidential," the DGP said.

Giving details of recent crackdowns on such offenders, the statement said the police and chief minister's flying squad in Gurgaon have arrested four people who wanted to sell nine oxygen cylinders at exorbitant rates of Rs 90,000 each.

In another case, the police in Sonipat have arrested the manager of a company on charges of selling oxygen cylinders at exorbitant rates amid their rising demand.

"Arrested accused Kashish disclosed that his company deals in oxygen cylinders for industrial use but after the recent rise in demand of oxygen cylinders for medical use, he started selling them to COVID patients at high rates to make a quick buck."

"More than 170 oxygen cylinders have been recovered by the team during the raid conducted on Saturday," the statement said.