Saturday, 17 April 2021 | PNS | Lucknow
Rs 1,000 fine for no mask; markets to be sanitised on Sundays
As corona surge continues, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered “Sunday curfew” across the State and also ordered setting up of 1,000-bed Covid hospitals in Lucknow to meet the demand of shortage of beds.
The State Government also stated that Rs 1,000 fine will be charged for not wearing masks and Rs 10,000 fine for second time violation. The Sunday curfew will continue till May 15.
In the review meeting, the CM ordered closure of markets, offices and other business establishments on Sunday so as to allow sanitisation of the markets across the State. “There will be a weekly closure in all rural and urban areas of the State on Sunday. Only sanitisation and emergency services will operate during this period. Necessary awareness works should also be done in this regard. He hinted that even public transport and commutation won’t be allowed.
“A 1,000-bed Covid hospital will be established in Lucknow. The venue of the Defence Expo in Vrindavan Colony has been chosen for setting up of this makeshift hospital,” the Chief Minister said during a review meeting with divisional commissioners, district magistrates, Chief Medical Officers and members of the Team-11 (a core team of 11 officers).
Yogi also ordered closure of OPDs in all Government hospitals in the State to control crowds. He also announced that it is compulsory for everyone to wear a mask. “A fine of Rs 1,000 would be imposed for the first time caught without a mask. If caught without a mask a second time, a penalty of Rs 10,000 would be imposed, “he added.
The DRDO will set up two hospitals of 500 beds and 600 beds in Haj House and Blossoms Height under the direction of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, thus giving a hope to the patients and their relatives who are running helter-skelter for beds.
A Government spokesman said within next three to four days, Lucknow will have 2,100 additional beds besides King Georges’ Medical University and Balrampur Hospital will be transformed into fully Covid hospital.
“This is our responsibility to take care of people who are in home isolation. Medical kits containing all types of essential medicines should be made available to such patients. There is no shortage of medicines. This work should be reviewed every day,” the CM said.
Yogi added continuous supply of oxygen to Covid hospitals should be maintained. The control room has been set up to monitor smooth supply of medical oxygen and should remain 24×7 active. Adequate availability of medical personnel, Covid beds, medicines, medical equipment and oxygen should always be maintained in every district. Ensure smooth operation of ambulance services. Make the Government aware of any kind of need, he said.
“The Department of Food Safety and Drug Administration should ensure adequate availability of Remdesivir. The availability should be monitored from the Chief Secretary’s office. Additional Remdesivir should be purchased while assessing the situation,” CM said.
The CM maintained that there is no shortage of funds for the work related to Covid management. Quarantine centres should be opened in all districts and these should have proper medical facilities as well as proper arrangements for food. With a view to keeping the spread of infection to a minimum, it is extremely important that the provisions of the containment zone be strictly implemented.
“UP has excellent experience of Covid management. Our policies have received global acclaim. Our victory in this battle is certain. Every citizen of the State has an important role to play in defeating Covid. Compliance of Covid protocol is in everyone’s interest Masks, sanitisation and physical distance have to be included in our lifestyle,” he said.
