Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the state to focus on contact tracing, especially in the rural areas in view of spurt in COVID-19 cases.
Interacting with the DCs and SPs on Thursday through video conferencing Thakur said, “The state government may impose fresh restrictions and reconsider opening of the schools to check spread of COVID-19.”
The state government has already introduced COVID pass and condition of test for outsiders entering the state.
The CM said, “The state government has performed well in the vaccination drive but there is still need to intensify the drive as there are 2700 active cases of corona and it is a matter of concern as it is spreading fast.”
He said, “Most of the fresh cases are being reported from the rural areas and social gatherings like marriage functions, feasts and other gatherings are responsible for the spread.”
Thakur said, “Adequate oxygenated general beds, oxygen concentrators, testing kits and ventilators are available at present and 28 PSA plants are being set up which would start functioning from August 31.”
The CM directed district administrations of Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Chamba and Kinnaur to make provision for testing of labourers engaged during apple season in various parts of these districts.
Thakur said, “Hamirpur, Kullu, Bilaspur, Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti districts have completed the target of giving first dose to all above the age of 18, 29 percent population of the state has been given the second dose too and entire population above 18 would be inoculated by November.”
Chief Secretary Ram Subhag Singh has also directed to constitute teams at panchayat and sub –divisional level to actively work at micro level and a Covid officer should be made to monitor 10-12 panchayats.