In a major decision, the Uttarakhand government has declared novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) as an epidemic.
The state cabinet in its meeting on Saturday amended the Central Epidemic Act, 1997 and adopted the Uttarakhand epidemic diseases act 2020.
Evoking the act, the state government decided to declare COVID-19 as an epidemic. Under the act, the state government would have all rights to take necessary steps to combat the disease. Provision of one to six months of imprisonment is made for failing to abide the orders of government under the act. The cabinet also approved a fund of Rs 50 Crore for purchase of necessary equipment, setting up ICUs and isolation wards in the state.
All degree colleges and schools in the state would remain closed till March 31. The cabinet also approved the proposal to appoint 555 new doctors for the state health services.
The medical colleges of the state have also been authorized to create 50 percent new posts for a period of 11 months.
It was also decided to set up a prefabricated 100 bed hospital in case the number of patients increase in the state. The act also authorises the government to take over private buildings and any health unit.
In case of emergency, 140 ambulances would be kept on alert and private operators would be roped in to ensure sanitation of the buses of transport corporation.