Uttar Pradesh government is well prepared to tackle third wave, says CM Yogi Adityanath

VARANASI: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated an oxygen plant in the divisional hospital of Mirzapur on Monday to ensure no patient dies due to shortage of the lifesaving gas besides preparing the necessary infrastructure to tackle the projected third wave of Covid-19.
The CM also took stock of the Integrated Covid Command Centre on collectorate premises and announced that from June the state government will provide financial assistance to those who lost livelihood due to corona curfew and said the government is prepared to tackle the anticipated third wave.
Talking to reporters on Tuesday afternoon, Yogi said, “Since the beginning of second wave, our government focused on saving lives as well as livelihood, but labourers of organised and unorganised sectors, migrant workers, street vendors, cobblers, washermen, boatmen, barbers who depend on daily earnings were hit. We will release financial aid for them in June.”
The distribution of free ration under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana and other schemes has already started from May 20, the CM added.
“All the beneficiaries, including Antyodaya and Grihasti card holders and other needy people will be given free ration in the months of June, July and August,” said Yogi.
Appealing people not to run away from Covid testing and vaccination, he said vaccination will provide a shield against the deadly virus.
“We are starting Covid-19 vaccination for 18-44 year age group in all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh from June 1. In view of anticipated third wave, separate counters will be set up to vaccinate parents of children up to 12 years on priority,” said Yogi.
The common service centres will be roped in to assist villagers in registering for vaccination on the CoWin website and app, he added.
Our government gas been working tirelessly since the second wave hit our state, said the CM, adding, “The number of daily cases was 38,055 in a single day in April, but we have brought it down to 3,900 today. Over 4.67 crore Covid tests have been conducted while 1.65 crore people have been vaccinated so far.”
Regarding preparations for anticipated third wave, Yogi said paediatric and neonatal intensive care units are being set up in each district. Principals of all medical colleges and district officials have been asked to recruit lab technicians and other staff to avoid manpower crisis, he said.
The CM appealed people to wear masks and follow social distancing saying this pandemic can be defeated by joint efforts of people.
He also interacted with Asha workers, ANMs and surveillance committee members and directed officials to focus on sanitation. He also held a review meeting with public representatives, including local MP Anupriya Patel and officials.
Before leaving Mirzapur, the CM offered prayers at Vindhyachal temple and reviewed the progress of Vindhyachal Corridor Project work.