Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, May 17

Following extensive discussions in various forums and with medical experts, the UT Administration has decided to extend the restrictions imposed under the corona curfew by another week (from 5 am on May 18 to 5 am on May 25) so that the gain of plateauing of the caseload of Covid-19 due to the lockdown is not lost.

Now, 2,000 to get jab daily in 18 plus category

Keeping in view the additional availability of vaccines for the 18 plus category, the UT Administration has decided to increase the number of vaccines and venues and also to administer 2,000 doses every day to the eligible beneficiaries, who have registered themselves on the CoWIN portal. The Administration has received confirmation for an additional 33,000 doses of the vaccine.

The decision was taken at a review meeting, chaired by UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, here today.

It was decided that the Deputy Commissioner will meet representatives of various trader, market and industry associations to solicit their views and suggestions regarding relief that can be provided to them due to the loss suffered due to the shutdown.

The Administrator appealed to landlords of small residential houses to voluntarily reduce the house rent for the lockdown period in order to give relief to the tenants, who have lost their income and prevent their migration.

Over complaints against private hospitals overcharging Covid patients, the Administrator directed that the Health Department should again notify the approved rates for Covid treatment. It will be given in the media and also published prominently on notice boards of the hospital concerned, he said.

Badnore expressed happiness over the oxygen audit conducted in all medical institutions. He directed that the oxygen plants functioning at the GMCH-32, and the GMSH-16, should be specially checked so that there was no overuse, nor any mishap of any kind.

The Administrator thanked the Army authorities, NGOs and various charitable institutions who have come forward to set up mini-Covid care centres. He also appealed to other organisations to come forward to set up such facilityfor oxygen. It would reduce the pressure on government hospitals. Such partnership would go a long way in winning the battle against corona, he said.

He mentioned that additional vaccines had been received for eligible beneficiaries in both the 18 plus and 45 plus categories.