RTPCR tests mandatory at UP’s entry points

LUCKNOW, Dec 24 (The CONNECT) – Uttar Pradesh comes under night curfew from the Christmas day as a COVID preventive measure.

Scaling up preventive measures against the spread of coronavirus, the Uttar Pradesh government has also intensified comprehensive surveillance and has initiated doorstep tracing throughout the state

Under the stringent containment mechanism, the government on Friday decided to impose a night curfew across the state from December 25. The restrictions will be in place from 11 pm to 5 am.

The surveillance committees, that played an effective role in bringing down the spread of Covid-19, are being reactivated in both urban and rural areas in the light of the threat of a third wave. Industrial units have been asked to set up Covid help desks and day care centres.

While reviewing the Covid-19 situation across the state, the CM reiterated that every single passenger coming from outside in the state should be duly traced. RTPCR testing should be done at airports, railway stations and bus stations.

Appreciating the role of ICCC in COVID-19 management, the CM said that it should remain functional 24×7. He directed the Health and Medical Education Department to review the treatment facilities in all government and private medical institutions of the state.

‘No Mask No Service’

As per the instructions of the CM, the mandatory requirement of a mask will be strictly enforced on stepping out. 

“A rise in the number of Covid-19 cases is being seen across several states and therefore a need was felt to take some stringent steps. In markets, a policy of ‘no service if no mask’ will be implemented. Vendors and traders should be told not to sell to someone who is not wearing a mask. Masks should also be mandatory on roads and in markets. The police force should regularly monitor the situation and public address systems will be used to sensitise people,” instructed the CM.

The CM further emphasized that, “Complete vaccination has proved to be effective in fighting against new variants like ‘Omicron’. Hence, the pace of the ongoing vaccination drive in the state should be expedited. All those people who have not taken the second dose despite the stipulated time on a priority basis, should be contacted.”

Uttar Pradesh continues to lead the country’s vaccination drive with over 19,20,83,053 doses administered so far. Over 45.66 per cent of the population is fully vaccinated and more than 84.23 percent have received one vaccine dose.