20th April, 2021
Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Sh. VP Singh Badnore today presided over War Room meeting. The meeting was attended by Sh. Manoj Parida, Adviser to the Administrator & Sh. Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary Home at Punjab Raj Bhawan. Sh. Omvir Singh Bishnoi, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Sh. KK Yadav, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, Deputy Commissioner, UT & Deputy Commissioners of Mohali & Panchkula, Director, PGIMER, Director Principal, GMCH & Director Health Services, GMSH-16 attended through Video Conferencing.
WAR ROOM DIRECTIONS
1. Dr. Bipin Kausal, PGIMER stated that they have 244 covid cases in Nehru Extension Block, out of which 90 belong to Chandigarh, 82 to Punjab, 42 to Haryana, 18 to Himachal Pradesh and 12 from other states. He mentioned that they have tested 4,588 covid samples, out of which 1,360 were found positive. Thus, the positivity rate was 21%. They also stated that PGIMER is procuring additional stock of critical medicines like Remdesivir & Tocilizumab. The doctors mentioned about an alarming development, in which many patients were found to have been infected with covid, even after first vaccine. This is possibly due to negligence and non-following of covid protocol like wearing masks.
The Administrator advised them to examine the matter at highest level and find best solution.
Dr. Jasbinder Kaur, Director Principal, GMCH-32 stated that they have tested 2,739 covid samples, out of which 367 were found positive. Thus, the positivity rate was 13.4%.
Dr. Amandeep Kang, Director Health Services stated that they have tested 12,595 covid samples, out of which 2,149 were found positive. Thus, the positivity rate was 17%. She also mentioned that the fatality rate in Chandigarh during the last month was 0.5%. She mentioned that three oxygen plants will be commissioned in a day or two and at present there is no problem of supply of oxygen to any patient. She mentioned that in UT, Chandigarh, 59% of health workers and 67% of front line workers have got themselves vaccinated.
2. Deputy Commissioner, Panchkula stated that they have 2,176 active cases, Deputy Commissioner, Mohali stated that they have 6,390 active cases and Deputy Commissioner, UT, Chandigarh stated that they have 3,804 active cases.
3. Sh. Manoj Parida, Adviser stated that Union Home Secretary has directed that strict enforcement measures should be taken. Action against persons dis-obeying covid protocol should be intensified. He also mentioned that Ministry of Home Affairs has advised that more restrictive measures should be imposed to contain the spread of virus.
4. Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT, Chandigarh expressed serious concern about the alarming rate, on which covid cases were increasing in UT. He directed all medical institutions to enhance their capacity of beds and store adequate quantity of medicines and equipments to handle the increasing number of patients. He directed PGIMER authorities to convert Infosys Sarai into temporary hospital, where at least moderate patients could be kept and treated. He also suggested that some spare technical health staff should be deputed from PGIMER to GMCH-32 or GMSH-16 Hospital, where temporary staff shortage is being faced. He directed better coordination among all three medical institutions, for optimal-utilization of staff shortages.
5. The Administrator appealed to the retired doctors, medical staff and members of Indian Medical Association (IMA) to come forward and coordinate with the health authorities in fighting corona in various capacities. He directed Principal Secretary Health to engage such persons on contractual basis, if necessary.
6. After detailed discussions in the War Room, the following decisions were taken :-
(a) There will be a complete lockdown in the Union Territory on 21/04/2021 (Wednesday) & non-essential movement shall be prohibited.
(b) There will be a weekend lockdown from 08.00 PM on Friday (23/04/2021) till 05.00 AM on Monday (26/04/2021)
(c) The proposal regarding 7 days lockdown will be considered in the War Room meeting on Friday (23/04/2021) and a decision will be taken after taking into account the number of covid cases in the city.
(d) The night curfew timings on the days of non-lockdown days will be from 08:00 PM to 05:00 AM; instead of 10:00 PM.
(e) The Administrator directed the Police Authorities to be extremely strict in enforcing lockdown instructions and the night curfew. All violators must be strictly dealt with. If necessary, the vehicles should be seized and heavy fine should be imposed on those indulging in non-essential travel or those violating the covid protocol.
(f) The Hon’ble Governor directed Commissioner, Municipal Corporation to ensure that covid protocol is strictly followed in all market places including Apni Mandis. All public places should be properly sanitized.
(g) The Hon’ble Administrator appealed to the residents not to crowd the hospitals seeking admission. Only critical cases should be admitted as per medical advice. Mild covid patients should opt for home isolation.
(h) The Hon’ble Administrator appealed to the public representatives, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), Market Associations etc. to persuade all residents to take advantage of the vaccines being provided free by government in various venues/dispensaries.
(i) The Hon’ble Administrator mentioned that Chandigarh Command Hospital has offered facility to veterans for corona treatment and other medical care, if necessary. The facility should be utilized by the ex-servicemen.
