Himachal makes -ve Covid report mandatory

| | Shimla
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Himachal makes -ve Covid report mandatory

Monday, 12 April 2021 | PNS | Shimla

Amid the spike in Covid-19 cases in the state, Himachal Government on Sunday made it mandatory for people coming from seven high load states to produce a RT-PCR negative report obtained within 72 hours of entry, from April 16 onwards.

The high load states are Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.

The decision was taken during a review meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur here. The CM said people coming from Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Rajasthan and UP need to carry a negative RT-PCR report not earlier than 72 hours while visiting Himachal from April 16 onwards.

As of now, the State Government has decided to allow tourists to visit the state, but at the same time hotel owners and tourists should strictly adhere to the SoPs issued, he said. Thakur added the State Government has allowed the devotees to visit various temples in the state during the Navratri festival, but at the same time, organizing of ‘langars’, ‘bhandaras’ and ‘jagran’ has been completely banned.

He said that devotees are allowed to visit the temple to perform ‘puja’ and ‘darshans’ by maintaining social distancing and using face masks.

The temple managements must also ensure strict implementation of the SoPs laid down by the State Government, he said.

While laying stress on strategy for testing, tracing and treatment with effective surveillance of micro containment zones, the Chief Minister said that greater emphasis must also be laid on RT-PCR tests to achieve the target of 70 percent RT-PCR tests.

He said the State Health Department must also take steps to increase bed capacity in order to meet out any eventuality. The Health Department must also ensure minimum wastage in vaccine. The virus is spreading at a fast pace which is the biggest concern. During the last 45 days, the State has reported 10,690 new Covid cases.  In addition to this, the number of deaths has also increased rapidly which is also a matter of concern, as 120 deaths were reported in the state during the last 45 days, he said.

Thakur said that no overcrowding would be allowed in buses and other public transport and private vehicles. Wearing of face masks even in the vehicles must be enforced strictly.

SoPs regarding organizing social functions such as marriages etc. must also be adhered strictly, he added.

The Chief Minister further said that strict action must also be taken against those involved in gross violation of SOPs.

Special focus must be laid on regular monitoring of people in home isolation. People should also be motivated to immediately go for testing as soon as they get any symptoms so that they could be provided treatment without delay, he said. He directed that focus should be paid on  Information Education and Communication regarding taking fundamental precautions such as use of face mask, social distancing and seeing a doctor in case of any ILI symptoms.

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