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The day Uttar Pradesh government got a reprieve from the Supreme Court, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a weekend lockdown in the state from Friday night to Monday morning where only emergency services will operate.
The decision was taken at the Team 11 meeting which was virtually chaired by CM on Tuesday morning.
"We are committed to safeguarding the life and livelihood of every citizen.  Due to the lockdown there could be a livelihood crisis for the poor that is why we have decided to implement the Corona curfew strictly,” he said.
The weekend curfew will start from Friday 8 pm and will continue till Monday 7 am. During curfew fogging, sanitization and cleanliness campaigns will be carried out all over the state.
He said every citizen should contribute to make the corona curfew a success.  Do not move out of the house if not required.  “Celebrate festivals at home and if there is a need to go out wear a mask,” Yogi said.
CM said make people aware of the importance of masks.  Impose a fine against those who do not wear masks. Strictly implement the provisions of the Containment Zone and Quarantine Center.  Feedback from monitoring committees should be obtained, he said.
Yogi said migrants in large numbers are returning from Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Delhi.  Special vigilance is required in the border districts.  Arrangements should be made for smooth movement of these migrant workers. Take necessary action by coordinating with the home department and transport department.  “There should be proper arrangement for testing and treatment of these migrant laborers,” he said.
 CM said there is a need to double the number of covid beds in all districts of the state including Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Jhansi, Gorakhpur, Meerut districts.  These beds should be equipped with oxygen facilities.
Talking about Lucknow, he said operate KGMU and Balrampur Hospital with full capacity as a dedicated covid hospital.  Similarly, Era, TS Mishra, Integral, Hind and Mayo Medical Colleges should be fully functional as dedicated Covid Hospital.  “Currently more than 4500 beds are available in Lucknow,” he said.
For Prayagraj, more than 800 beds are available at the Swarup Rani Medical College and United Medical College. It should be increased further, he said and added that in Kanpur, resources of GSVM Medical College, Rama, Narayana Medical College as well as private hospitals should also be used for covid care.
“It is pleasant to note that patients who have taken two doses of Covid vaccination, are recuperating in four to five days even if re-infected due to certain reasons. This shows the government should intensify its vaccination campaign,” he said.

Directives on Oxygen:
In view of the special circumstances of the present time, it should be ensured that the oxygen produced in all the small and big industrial units including the MSMEs in the state is used only for medical purposes.  These oxygen plants should be connected to their nearest hospital.  A comprehensive action plan in this regard should be prepared today.  Private units that want to invest in the field of oxygen refilling should be encouraged.  Immediate orders should be made regarding auto renewal of license of oxygen producers.
Police protection should be done at all oxygen plants.  GPS monitoring of oxygen vehicles should be done.  Every possible action should be taken to prevent black marketing and profiteering of oxygen and other life saving drugs.
The CM said process of setting up five new oxygen plants has started in the state.  It should be activated quickly.  In near future setting up of oxygen plants in all hospitals with a capacity of more than 100 beds should be made compulsory.  Modern technology like air separation units should be encouraged.  Its capacity should be increased in the state.
Assessing the large population of Uttar Pradesh and the possible requirement, the demand for oxygen supply should be sent to the Government of India in a timely manner.