Chandigarh declared hotspot

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 15

Chandigarh has figured on the list of 170 Covid hotspots (red zones) released by the Union Government today.

With this, there is a possibility of no further relaxation in the UT after April 20, a senior official said.

The real challenge with the UT now is to move from the red zone to the green zone. A containment operation (large outbreak or cluster) is deemed to be over 28 days from the date when the last case in the district tests negative. A district declared hotspot can move to the green category if no new case surfaces in 28 days.

The red zones (hotspots) have been formed to focus attention on the district and cities reporting a large number of cases and high growth rate.

The hotspots have been bifurcated into 123 large outbreaks and 43 clusters. The large outbreak hotspots are the ones having more than 15 cases and imply progression of a small cluster or evolvement of multiple clusters.

Both Chandigarh and Mohali have been figured in the large outbreak hotspots as more than 15 cases have been reported till now in each district. As per the Centre’s guidelines, the geographic area will be mapped for cases and contacts will be defined for the area of operation.

Perimeter control will be applied in hotspots wherein there will be clear entry and exit points. Only one or two arterial roads into the containment zone will be kept open for essential services and all roads connecting the containment zone will be guarded by the police/volunteers.

Meanwhile, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore today ordered a total ban on spitting in public places and directed the Principal Secretary, Home, to issue a necessary notification in this regard.

As per the notification, it is an outmost need to impose restrictions on unhealthy practices that may potentially lead to spread of Covid and other infections. The habit of spitting in public poses a serious threat to the spread of such infections.

In the interest of public health and safety, the UT Administration banned the spitting of paan or any chewable tobacco or non-tobacco products, sputum etc, in public places, offices, workplace, factories and establishments with an immediate effect.