Following directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asked officers to chalk out plans to ease lockdown in a phased manner after April 14 so that people stranded at various places could reach their destinations while ensuring social distancing.
He also declared that the state government would set up a Rs 1,000-crore Corona Care Fund.
“If the lockdown is lifted from April 15, people stranded at different places will try to return to their homes, posing a challenge to maintaining social distancing. In order to deal with such situation, thrash out an action plan now,” Yogi told officials at a meeting of COVID Team-11 at his 5, Kalidas Marg official residence in Lucknow on Friday.
The chief minister said that officers should prepare an action plan on when and how schools, colleges, markets and malls would reopen after the lockdown.
Yogi also announced that the state government would set up a Corona Care Fund of Rs 1,000 crore that would be used for upgrading testing labs and purchasing medical equipment like ventilators, masks, sanitisers, PPE (personal protection equipment).
“Efforts will be made to provide testing facilities in every division and all 24 government medical colleges,” he said.
“Not only will the government provide money for this fund, but help will also be sought from corporate houses under Corporate Social Responsibility,” he said.
Yogi further said that officers would have to work at two levels. “Develop strategy keeping in mind the current situation and the future condition. Operate community kitchens in every district and take help from voluntary organisations and others wanting to extend support. Establish a collection centre so that everyone does not go out to distribute food. Collect food there and then distribute it,” he suggested.
“For future preparations, train volunteers from NSS (National Service Scheme), NCC (National Cadets Corps), Scouts and Youth Mangal Dal. Train them to prevent infection from coronavirus and also coach them about steps to be taken during infection. They will also help in ensuring supply of food and essential commodities and prove vital for us when the infection spikes,” Yogi said.
The chief minister pointed out that during corona infection, anaesthetists, physicians, and women and child specialists were needed the most. “Make a list of such doctors in private sector with related expertise and train them. Similar training is also needed for paramedical staff and doctors of AYUSH department. Make a list of how many beds and ventilators can be made available in private hospitals if needed,” he said.
Yogi asked the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises department to ensure production of masks by units of the state. “It will lower the cost and their availability will also increase. Prepare masks using khadi that can be reused. For this, take help of women self-help groups. This will help in promoting khadi besides helping women get employment and users will be able to make it a habit if they get masks at cheaper rates,” he said.
The chief minister asked officials to convey a message to those who violate social distancing in lockdown. “An incident like Indore should not happen anywhere in UP. File cases against such people under Disaster Act. Those who disagree with the government, keep a tab on them. Take stern action against all those who created chaos in the Ghaziabad hospital,” he said.
“If someone runs away from quarantine, then make the administration there accountable. Use large buildings for such centres instead of primary schools. Make a list of people doing good work during lockdown. The government will honour them when the situation normalises. Strictly curb black marketing and hoarding. If the essential goods are available at a higher price from wholesale market, then take action against the accused,” he warned.
Chief Secretary RK Tiwari along with other members of COVID Team-11 were present in the meeting and briefed the chief minister about actions taken by the team.