Covid situation in UP under control, says CM Yogi Adityanath

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the Covid situation in the state amid the rise in infection rate across the country. He asked officials to make dedicated hospitals functional right away.

He also made it clear that the Covid situation in Uttar Pradesh is under control.

"Covid cases have been rising across the nation. There are more than 38,000 active cases in the country, though the situation is under control in Uttar Pradesh. Not only is the positivity rate here low, but the health of Covid positive patients is also normal. According to health experts, this is not a situation to panic about but to be alert and careful. Currently, there are 1,791 active Covid cases in the state and the positivity rate has been 0.65% so far in April," he said.

Speaking about the preparations for more Covid-19 cases, he added: "Keeping in view past experiences, we must remain alert at every level. We have to be in alert mode. Special vigilance is required in Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar, Ghaziabad, Varanasi, Agra, and Meerut districts. An immediate medical facility should be made available to every suspected patient of Covid. In coordination with the local district administration, dedicated Covid hospitals should be made functional immediately in all the districts."

The CM met with the state-level Covid Advisory Committee and Team-9 -- a group of top state officials -- and sought the reactivation of the Integrated Covid Control and Command Centre, said a statement. He also addressed the possibility of infection spreading during the municipal election campaign and polling next month. "A dialogue with the State Election Commission at the chief secretary level should be held to ensure the safety of voters while Covid protection kits must be provided to polling personnel."

The CM also encouraged adopting Covid-appropriate behaviour. "Elderly people suffering from serious diseases should try to avoid movement in crowded areas as much as possible. Masks should be compulsorily used in hospitals. Shortcomings detected during the statewide mock drill held on Tuesday must be addressed. There should be proper arrangements for health and medical facilities in all 75 districts of the state."