Panchkula starts drive to vaccinate shopkeepers, staff in a week

Tribune News Service

Panchkula, June 12

Haryana Speaker and local MLA Gian Chand Gupta launched a special drive to vaccinate shopkeepers and their staff members at the Sector 8 Government Dispensary here today.

Third drive-through vaccination on June 15

To vaccinate all above 18 years, a third drive-through vaccination camp will be held at Tau Devi Lal Stadium in Sector 3 on June 15. Kalka SDM Rakesh Sandhu has been appointed in-charge for the drive.

The drive is expected to be completed in a week under the supervision of Civil Surgeon Dr Jasjeet Kaur, following which it will be expanded to industrial workers in the district.

Under the “near-to-shop” vaccination drive, any shopkeeper and their staff can walk to the nearest dispensary between 9 am and 2 pm and get themselves vaccinated.

After the first dose of vaccination is administered to the owner and the staff, an identification certificate will be pasted outside the shop to address visitors’ safety concerns.

Even after relaxation in the lockdown restrictions, shopkeepers and traders have reported poor response from customers due to the Covid fear. The drive, according to the administration, will allay people’s concerns over contracting the virus.

”It will build a sense of trust among customers that the shop is fully safe and there is no risk of Covid-19. It will help businesses to get back on track quickly and recover the losses incurred due to the Covid-induced lockdown,” said Gupta at the launch event.

“The daily number of Covid-19 cases has reduced significantly, but people should remain cautious and follow the Covid-appropriate behavior,” he said.

Vaccination for industrial workers

According to health officials, they would vaccinate employees and workers in industrial establishments in the next phase in view of the persistent demand from the corporate community.

“For the same, different type of industries would be identified and a plan would be chalked out soon. Our aim is to vaccinate everyone above the age of 18,” they added.

No social distancing

Social distancing norms went for a toss at the event as authorities failed to manage crowds.

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