For the first time in three weeks, the number of recovered COVID-19 cases in Uttar Pradesh was more than the fresh infections as 14,803 people tested positive for coronavirus infection in the state in the last 24 hours while in the same period, 20,191 patients recovered.
At present, there are 1,01,114 active COVID-19 cases in UP and 99 per cent of them are undergoing treatment at home.
The figures were disclosed during a high-level meeting of Team- 9 chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. A maximum of 38,000 new COVID-19 cases were registered in a day during the second wave in April- May 2021 while this figure was 17,185 during the third wave on January 16.
“Looking at the intensity and positivity rate of Omicron, it is clear that the situation in Uttar Pradesh is under control. Very few people need hospitalisation. A normal patient can stay at home in isolation and treat himself with the advice of a doctor. People should be made aware of this," the chief minister directed the officials.
The chief minister said in view of the current situation of COVID-19, at least one hospital in each district should be reserved as a dedicated covid hospital. He said publicity about this should also be done among the general public and other hospitals should be available for non-Covid patients while running the OPD services with full Covid protocol.
“In the midst of the new wave, traditional fairs, bathing festivals, etc. are also being organised in different areas of the state. This is the success of the UP Model of Covid management that traditional Magh Mela is still on in Prayagraj. There is no report of excessive spread of infection from anywhere. Taking precautions, lakhs of devotees are offering prayers. For this our health workers, local administration and devotees deserve congratulations,” the chief minister said and added that this sequence of vigilance and caution should continue.
He also directed the officials to complete the first dose Covid vaccination of the targeted population within a week. The vaccination of teenagers between 15 and 17 years should be completed by January 22 and of those above 18 years latest by January 25, he said.
The chief minister said 94.54 per cent of the people above 18 years of age had received the first dose of the Covid vaccine, while more than 60 per cent of the population had taken both doses of the vaccine.
The vaccination status in the state is better than the national average, he said, adding that around 42 per cent of adolescents in the age group of 15-17 years had received the vaccine cover and 35 per cent of the eligible people had received booster doses also.
