Face mask mandatory in Punjab, State fully prepared to tackle fresh wave of covid pandemic: asserts CM

• Appeals people to wear mask at public places
• Government to set up a state level Covid Control Room

Chandigarh, December 23:

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday said that the state government is fully prepared to tackle any unforeseen challenge in wake of the fresh wave of covid pandemic.

The Chief Ministers reviewed the arrangements of the state government during a review meeting here at his office in Punjab Civil Secretariat I.

The Chief Minister urged the people to wear appropriate masks in all Educational Institutions, Government & Private Offices and indoor/outdoor gatherings, malls, Public places etc. for the prevention of further spread of the virus in the population and for the well-being of every individual adding he appealed the people to wear mask at public places. Likewise, he said that COVID-19 appropriate behaviour must be strictly followed like social distancing, respiratory etiquettes and no spitting at public places. Bhagwant Mann asked the Health department to ensure that anyone having symptoms of COVID-19 must get tested and follow COVID-19 protocol. He also asked all the Deputy Commissioners to constantly review the arrangements in their concerned districts.

The Chief Minister further said that the state government has decided to set up a State Level Covid Control Room to tackle any exigency.

All hospitals/ labs/ Collection centres offering testing for COVID-19 must upload details of tests including positive and negative results on COVA Portal of Government of Puniab as well as intimate complete testing details to respective district and State COVID-19 cell. He also said that Those due for second dose and precautionary dose of COVID-19 vaccine must take it at the earliest. Bhagwant Mann asked the officers to ensure that decision of the Government in this regard should be implemented strictly and also disseminated for compliance.

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that in order to contain the spread of COVID-19, a total of 2,10,80,032 samples have been conducted so far and on an average 2500 RT-PCR and RAT tests are being done on daily basis. He said that these tests are conducted at Sub Divisional Hospitals level on Saturdays and Sundays as well. Bhagwant Mann said that in the past three weeks the average positive rate is 0.02% and the positivity is less than 0.1 from the last two months.

The Chief Minister said that there are 790 Level-Il paediatric oxvgen supported beds adding that 324 paediatric ICU beds are available in case of requirement. He said thag Additional 3518 adult Level-II beds and 142 adult ICU beds are available in case of requirement. Bhagwant Mann said that 14701 Level 2 and 3132 Level 3 beds are available in case of requirement.