Himachal plans curbs on visitors from Punjab

Tribune News Service

Shimla, March 17

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today said he would take up the issue of maintaining vigil on the inter-state border with his counterpart Capt Amarinder Singh in view of the rising Covid cases in Punjab.

Talking to mediapersons here, Thakur said he would speak to his Punjab counterpart so that there was some check on people from Punjab, who entered Himachal, especially pilgrims. He said SOPs would be strictly followed during the celebration of fairs and other events.

“The government is also keeping an eye on the situation and steps are being taken accordingly,” he said. The possibility of Himachal imposing curbs could not be ruled out as most pilgrims visiting the shrines come from Punjab. The Cabinet at its meeting on March 19 could take a call on it.

Over 1.78 lakh people inoculated

• Over 1.78 lakh people have been given the vaccine, which is about 2.60 per cent of the population
• Its wastage in the state is the lowest in the country at a mere 1.6 per cent

The CM said the Prime Minister had asked all states to increase testing and ensure the strict implementation of SOPs. “Over 1.78 lakh people have been given vaccine, which was about 2.60 per cent of the population,” he said. Its wastage in the state was the lowest in the country at a mere 1.6 per cent.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan made a presentation on Covid cases. He said about 3.51 crore people had been administered the vaccine in the country.

Health Minister Rajiv Saizal, Chief Secretary Anil Khachi and Secretary, Health, Amitabh Awasthi were present.

Covid case tally crosses 60K-mark

With 167 positive cases, the Covid tally crossed 60,000-mark in the state on Wednesday. The fatality figure however remained 998 with no death in the last 24 hours. The number of active cases has also shot up to 935 with the continuous surge in number of cases over the last one week