Check people coming from Maharashtra for Covid: C’garh Governor

Chhattisgarh Governor Anusuiya Uike on Thursday called for a medical examination of people coming from Maharashtra for Covid-19 and also urged everyone to cooperate with the government to overcome a major resurgence of the virus.

Addressing a virtual all-party meeting here, the Governor said those coming to Chhattisgarh from adjoining Maharashtra, which has been badly hit by Covid, need to be investigated to prevent the spread of corona infection.

She called for arrangements including quarantine centres at the border with Maharashtra.

Appealing to heads of political parties to use their cadres to make people aware of steps to be taken to fight the disease, she said it is very difficult for the state government alone to deal with the pandemic.

“It is our collective responsibility and duty to deal with this pandemic,” she said. “Let us all unite and cooperate in recovering from this crisis.”

Uike said that political parties should work with the administration in providing relief and facilities to the needy. “We should try to save human lives in this time of crisis by rising above party politics.”

Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the government is taking all possible measures to curb the corona infection. He asked all political parties to make people realize the importance of getting themselves tested at the first signs of corona.

There is no shortage of oxygen in the state, he said. The government has decided that 80 percent of the oxygen produced in the state’s oxygen plants should be used only in Chhattisgarh.

The Chief Minister said that testing and treatment will be arranged in the border areas of the state by conducting special campaigns.

He then provided details about the numbers covered by the Covid vaccination and the facilities available in hospitals for Covid patients.

Control rooms have been set up in all the districts. Gram Panchayats have been told to set up quarantine centers for migrant labourers.

Leaders of various parties made important suggestions.

Leader of Opposition Dharamlal Kaushik sought beds in hostels and social buildings at the development block level. Shivratan Sharma of the BJP suggested filling up vacant posts in the Health Department. Congress President Mohan Markam said Congress MLAs, Mayors and Councilors will give one month’s salary to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund.

Neelkanth Tripathi (NCP) spoke about problems such as lack of oxygen and excessive fees charged by private hospitals. Amit Jogi of the Janata Congress wanted everyone over 18 years to be vaccinated.