India saw 40,953 new Covid cases being reported in a day, the highest single-day rise recorded in 111 days, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Saturday.
In Mohali, the number of Covid cases in a day touched a new high this year with 258 testing positive for the virus on Friday. On the other hand, Chandigarh reported 214 new cases.
Panchkula reported 129 new cases of Covid-19 on Friday, the highest in the past four months. However, the silver lining remains that the death rate has remained stagnant. The last Covid death was reported on February 24 in the district and since then, the death toll stands at 149.
16 new vaccination sites set up in Mohali
To speed up the vaccination drive in Mohali, 16 new sites at primary healthcare centres have been set up by the health authorities. So far, the vaccination centres were operating at seven government health institutions and 27 private institutions across Mohali.
Civil Surgeon Dr Adarshpal Kaur said the vaccination centres were set up in Phase 3B1, Mohali, Basoli, Khizargarh, Pandwala, Khizrabad, Palheri, Chando, Majat, Landran and Mullanpur. The drive had also been initiated at urban primary health centres in Phase 1, Phase 7 and Phase 11 in Mohali, Baltana, Preet Colony in Zirakpur, and Nayagaon.
A total of 14,737 senior citizens and 2,386 persons aged between 45 and 60 with comorbidities have been vaccinated in the district.
Conflict between PGI and UT Administration
A conflict had emerged between the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and UT administration over RTPCR testing. The issue started when the Health Department sent 600 samples to PGI for testing in one day. However, PGI refused to take more than 300 samples and asked not to send samples for the next three days. This caused anger among the administration officials and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore had to intervene in the case.
The Ministry of Health has directed the administration to increase the testing capacity of RTPCR probe to more than 70%. Following the Centre’s directive, the Health Department in a hurry had started collecting more samples.
PGI says that it has two labs which have been merged and are working at full capacity.
