Voicing concern over the possibility of an increase in COVID-19 cases, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath asked people not to panic but to follow Covid protocol.
He also asked officials to make people aware of the need to wear face masks at public places.
The concerns were raised by the high-level COVID-19 management team here on Monday.
The chief minister was informed that the situation in Uttar Pradesh was normal amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in various countries.
Over 9.06 lakh tests were conducted in the month of December, of which 103 cases were found to be positive. The positivity rate of the state was recorded at 0.01 per cent during this period. Presently, there are 49 active cases in the state. Over 42,000 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
People should remain alert and careful, the chief minister stressed.
The chief minister suggested that the changing trends of the virus should be closely monitored. “Whatever shortcomings have been found in the mock drills in the past, should be rectified immediately,” he said.
“During the COVID-19 period, the government had set up intensive care units (ICUs) in every district and they should be kept functional. There should be availability of anaesthetic and other specialist doctors and technicians in every ICU. Three technicians should be deployed at the oxygen plant,” Yogi said.
Uttar Pradesh is leading in terms of Covid vaccination. Currently, more than 11 lakh doses are available in the state. Continuous contact should be maintained with the Government of India for adequate availability of the vaccines as per the demand. The usefulness of the vaccine in preventing COVID-19 is evident. People should be made aware to take precautionary doses. The campaign should be expedited, the chief minister stressed.
In the last two-and-a-half years of the COVID-19 period, a large number of personnel were temporarily deployed to maintain the health services smoothly. They discharged their responsibilities in a commendable manner which is highly inspiring. This service period of these personnel should be counted in future appointments. Preference should be given to such personnel. Clear rules should be prepared in this regard, the chief minister said.
“It is possible that there may be an increase in new cases in the next few days. Therefore, we have to be alert. This is not the time to panic, but to be alert and careful. Covid protocol has to be followed. Make people aware of the need to wear face masks in public places. Activate the public address system,” the chief minister said.
The chief minister said that continuous monitoring should be done of the new variant of novel coronavirus. He also stressed on genome sequencing of the new cases and increase in daily testing. He said people suffering from serious, incurable diseases, and the elderly should take special precautions.
He also suggested immediate payment of outstanding honorarium to all temporary or outsourcing personnel serving during the COVID-19 period. “If the person has not been paid by the agency concerned after payment from the government/department, then taking cognisance of such cases, the arrears should be paid. The honorarium is the right of the personnel after service, it should be paid on time,” Yogi said.
In the review meeting, officials informed the chief minister that paddy procurement was going on smoothly in the state and so far, more than 41 lakh metric tons of paddy had been procured from 6.50 lakh farmers at the minimum support price while payment of Rs 6,700 crore had been made to the bank accounts of the farmers and the remaining Rs 1,700 crore would be paid at the earliest.
The chief minister said availability of DAP and urea should be monitored in all the districts of the state and there should be no shortage of fertilisers anywhere.
In view of the Global Investors’ Summit, a one-day investors and exporters conference was organised in the Barabanki district. Yogi said this effort of Barabanki is inspirational for other districts and such events should be organised in other districts as well. He said the cooperation of the local public representatives should also be taken in this regard.
Yogi said in the Prayagraj Magh Mela, the faith and needs of kalpavasis and saints should be respected. “Work should be done with inter-departmental coordination. Kalpavasis, devotees, sages and saints should be provided with all the facilities that were available in the past. The security system should be tested by the DGP himself by conducting an on-site inspection,” he added.
“The prime minister will flag off the world’s longest river voyage — Ganga Vilas Epic cruise from Varanasi to Dibrugarh on January 13. Necessary preparations regarding the journey should be completed well in time,” the chief minister said.