Top Headlines of the Day
1. 460 stalls in Sector 19 open invite to Covid?
With the MC allowing 460 stalls in the Sector 19 market alone, the possibility of a spike in Covid cases looms large ahead of Diwali.
As the civic body failed to mark slots for shopkeepers and vendors for setting up stalls, the market witnessed a huge crowd yesterday. Though the situation improved today, the city is likely to be more vulnerable to the spread of Covid in the coming days. In the absence of specified spots for vendors, they were seen rushing to occupy prime locations, triggering chaos.
According to experts, the city may witness a second Covid wave in the winter season and the situation in the market could further lead to a rise in the number of cases.
vendors, who used to sit in Sector 15, 17, and 22, were now opting for Sector 19 as there were limited vending areas in Sector 17 and 22 in line with the High Court’s directions. They said the next time, stalls would be rationalized beforehand.
2. Restore OPD facilities fully after Diwali: Governor
After nearly eight months, residents will be able to avail themselves of full OPD facilities after Diwali in the city. During a review meeting, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore has directed all hospitals to fully restore the original OPD facilities after Diwali.
Adhering to the strict protocol of Covid-19, the PGI and the GMCH-32 started OPD services on November 2.
3. 276 Diwali stalls booked on Day 1 in Panchkula
As many as 276 shopkeepers booked Diwali stalls on Day 1 of the online booking process conducted by the Panchkula Municipal Corporation on a dedicated portal – stallbooking.online
The MC collected an amount of Rs1.49 lakh from shopkeepers for setting up stalls in various markets.
According to information, spaces in front of SCOs, SCFs, DSSs, bays, and booths could only be booked by the owner/lessee/tenant of the shop. In case the booking was made by persons other than the owner/lessee/tenant of the shop, it would be rejected and the amount would be forfeited.
4. 10K Health Care Workers in UT identified for COVID vaccine prioritization
A database of over 10,000 Health Care Workers (HCWs) has been created by the UT health department, who will be prioritized for vaccination once a COVID vaccine is available as per the directions of the central government.
The health care workers are from 45 health facilities of Chandigarh excluding the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), which is governed by the center.
The union government asked the states and union territories for collecting data of health care service providers and other workers in health care settings, both government and private. The Covid vaccination drive of the HCWs will utilize this database to identify the beneficiaries.
5. Three deaths and 115 fresh cases in Chandigarh
The city witnessed 115 fresh cases of Covid on Monday, taking the tally to 15,249. With three more deaths, the city’s death toll now stands at 237. As many as 86 patients recovered from the virus. There are 902 active Covid cases in the city and 14,110 have been cured till date.
5. Two Deaths and 88 fresh cases in Mohali
As many as 88 cases surfaced in the district, taking the case count to 12,985. A total of 35 more patients have been cured.
Among the fresh cases, 85 were reported from Mohali (urban), two from Lalru and one from Gharuan. The district has so far seen 12,985 positive cases and 11,990 patients have been cured. There are now 747 active cases, while 248 persons have died of the virus.
6. No death for 4th day in Panchkula
In a relief to the Health Department ahead of Diwali, the district reported no Covid death for the fourth consecutive day today. As many as 65 fresh cases were detected, taking the overall tally to 7,574.
Among the fresh cases, a maximum of nine were reported from Sector 4 and eight from Pinjore. While 7,064 persons have defeated the virus so far, 393 cases are still active
