Just 14% fully vaccinated in Nagpur, two dose norm may raise hackles

NAGPUR: To implement the new guidelines of state government, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) from Sunday has made completion of 14 days from second dose of vaccine mandatory for those entering the city from other states, for visiting malls and working in offices, commercial establishments, restaurants etc.
With just over 14% of total population in the city fully vaccinated, the traders’ association and experts feel the new guidelines will create controversy and increase inspector raj.

From August 16, the NMC’s nuisance detection squad (NDS) will start visiting various establishments. If final vaccination certificate is not produced, warning will be given during the first visit and action in the second visit.
In its new guidelines, the government has made two vaccine doses mandatory while permitting almost all commercial establishments and increasing timings of essential, non-essential shops, restaurants etc to 10pm. It even allowed parcel service from restaurants round the clock.
As per data of the state’s public health department, the estimated population of the district is 52.73 lakh. Of them, 19,32,580 people have taken the first dose between January 16 and August 12, which comes to 36.65% of total population. As per data available till Friday, second dose has been given to 6,78,675 people — 12.87% of total population.
In city having population of 29 lakh, second dose has been given to 4,24,678 people, which is 14.64% coverage. First dose has been given to 10,35,663 people, which is 35.71% of total population.
NMC additional municipal commissioner Ram Joshi told TOI that the new norms will be implemented in an effective manner. “There are sufficient number of centres where people can get two doses easily. We are ready to help associations of traders, restaurants etc to plan and ensure two doses for all the staff,” he said.
Convener of Vidarbha Hospitals Association (VHA) Dr Anup Marar said that the rules for entering city from other states, visiting malls or working in offices might compel the ill-informed hesitant citizens to get vaccinated. “There are empty counters at most private hospitals that are flush with vaccine vials. Moreover, negative RT-PCR report should be sought from all those entering Maharashtra, like in case of many states. Likewise, NMC should make vaccination compulsory and conduct door-to-door screening,” he said.
Terming the condition of two doses as a good move, president of Chamber of Associations of Maharashtra Industry and Trade (CAMIT), Dipen Agrawal, said that it will encourage people to get fully vaccinated and prevent third wave. “But it violates the fundamental rights like right to life, personal liberty and livelihood, especially when there is no relation between full vaccination and continuation of profession or occupation. The new norm will increase harassment and inspector raj,” he said.
Agrawal stated that the new norms are not justified, particularly considering the pace of vaccination in the state. “The government is unable to ensure sufficient doses at the centres. Duration between two doses of Covishield is 12-16 weeks,” he said.
He demanded speeding up the vaccination drive and giving more time to owners and staff of shops, malls, restaurants, bars and banquet halls. “Condition of first dose is acceptable to some extent but it should not be applicable to below 18 years group as they are not yet eligible for vaccination. I doubt whether mandatory/forced vaccination will withstand judicial scrutiny,” said Agrawal.