In the wake of a surge in Covid cases in several countries, states across the country have started tightening covid norms to contain any wave. Massive pre-emptive measures are being taken by the administrations and governments in various states.
Wearing masks have been made compulsory inside restaurants, pubs, theatre halls, schools and colleges in Karnataka. State Health Minister K. Sudhakar said to news agency, “There’s no need to panic. But we have to take precautions from now on.”
Ahead of New Year celebrations, there will be a huge crowd in pubs and restaurants. Therefore the Covid protocols have to be followed strictly, said the minister. The Delhi government directed all public hospitals in the national capital to ramp up preparations and augment supplies in anticipation of rising infections in the coming days.
According to an official statement issued on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia chaired a review meeting with directors and medical superintendents of government hospitals during which he asked them to prepare for a rise in Covid cases in the near future. Sisodia directed the hospital heads to take stock of Covid-preparedness and ensure that all requirements, in accordance with the guidelines laid down by the Union Health ministry, are met.
He also directed them to submit a compliance report to the Health department. Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party government in the national capital approved a budget of Rs 104 crore for government hospitals to procure general medicines and prepare for Covid-induced contingencies in the immediate future.
Reviewing the Covid-related arrangements at public hospitals, Sisodia directed that the details with regard to beds, ventilators, ICUs, number of doctors and nurses, oxygen plants, field staff and medicines are to be shared with the Health department by Monday evening.
“According to the directions of the Union government, a mock drill will be organised in all hospitals on Tuesday, December 27, to ensure operational readiness for effective Covid management. In case of any gaps, the issue will be addressed immediately by the health officials concerned,” Sisodia added.
West Bengal Health Department has scheduled a virtual meeting with all hospitals in the State on Monday, to assess their preparedness in tackling Covid-19 in case of a possible fourth wave in the country.
Speaking on Covid-19 preparedness, Debjyoti Dey, Assistant Superintendent of Maniktala ESI hospital, said that the hospital is ready to fight against Covid. “We have isolation wards ready for the Covid Positive patients,” Dey said. “No one has yet been admitted. But our doctors and nursing staff are ready, we have already received some instructions from the health department and are working on it,” he added.