States take strict measures as India’s daily Covid cases surge to 43,846. The government ramps up inoculation witnessing a sharp rise.
Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh account for 77.7% of the new cases in the last 24 hours. Also, Maharashtra continues to report the highest number of new cases (more than 30000) and causalities (92). The nationwide COVID-19 tally stands at 1,15,55,284 as of 21st March 2020, with an active caseload of 2,88,394. Moreover, the recovery rate has also dropped to 96.12%.
Centre Ramps Up Vaccination
The Centre has asked the Serum Institute of India (SII) to deliver another 100 million doses of the Covishield vaccine. The SII has already sent 66 million doses to the government. Besides, sixty million doses have been sent to other countries.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed states to enforce COVID safe behaviour. Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla highlighted the laxity in COVID appropriate behaviour and urged to take necessary actions for stricter enforcement of COVID appropriate behaviour.
States Impose Curbs Amid Rising Covid Cases
Noting the sudden spike in Covid cases, the Delhi government has revised vaccination timings until 9 pm at all Delhi government hospitals. Besides, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reports having collected around Rs 40 crores fine imposed for not wearing masks.
Tamil Nadu government has ordered the closure of schools classes 9, 10 and 11 from 22nd March until further orders citing the surge in Covid-19 cases. However, classes for class 12th would continue with adherence to all preventive measures. Likewise, the Punjab government has ordered the closure of schools and colleges till 31st March.
Bhopal, Indore and Jabalpur will observe lockdown every Sunday until further orders. Also, the Punjab government has expanded the night curfew (9 pm to 5 am) from nine to 11 districts.
In all, the government has appealed to people not to weaken the appropriate Covid behaviour to control transmission.