Omicron scare: Chandigarh hospitals put on high alert

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, November 29

Threat posed by the new South African variant, Omicron, has prompted the Health Department to put the UT hospitals on alert to again activate Covid beds.

As per the action plan, the hospital at Sector 48 with 121 oxygenated beds (including 17 ventilator beds) will be opened as soon as the GMCH-32 reaches about 80% occupancy.

Special arrangements have been made in the Sector 45 hospital for children with a sufficient number of ventilator beds. The sub-district hospitals at Sector-22 and Mani Majara are also prepared to take initial care of some patients. Besides, three mini-Covid care centres are in the state of temporary closure and can be revived withing a notice of two or three days.

A review meeting was held today to discuss the emergent issues especially because of the new variant of concern, Omicron. The meeting was attended by the Director Principal of GMCH-32, the Director, Health Services, and Dr Naveen, from the PGI.

The Covid test of all patients visiting the OPDs of the GMSH-16, sub-district hospitals at Sectors 22, 45 and Mani Majra, and the GMCH-32 has been ordered by the department. In case of any hospital admission, all patients will be subjected to rapid antigen test (RAT) and RTPCR tests, and in case of OPDs, all patients are to be subjected to RAT.

In view of the MC elections, the Director, Health Service, will appoint a nodal officer with each of the returning officer and provide all assistance required, in accordance with the directions of the State Election Commission and the prevailing ground situation.

Persons sans mask to be challaned

It has also been decided by the authorities to challan/fine residents for not wearing a mask in public places and to ask them to undergo the Covid test.

UT holds meeting with religious leaders

The UT Health Department held a meeting with religious leaders to encourage their followers to come forward for vaccination. Dr Nagpal, Medical Superintendent of GMSH-16, and Dr Manjit Trehan, District Immunisation Officer, met Maulana Mohd Ajmal Khan, Imam of Sector-20 mosque in Chandigarh, and Father Kajus, Father James and Father Tharthus of the Sector 19 church and requested them to support the Administration in increasing the pace of vaccination against Covid. Special camps will be held.

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