Red Cross vans to shift bodies for cremation

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 4

Now, the transportation of all deceased Covid patients will be managed by the Red Cross Society, UT. MC Commissioner KK Yadav said a tie-up had been reached with the PGIMER for the cremation of bodies in a scientific manner and as per protocol approved by the Government of India. “Red Cross vans are being utilised for transporting bodies from hospitals to the cremation ground,” he added.

A few days ago, a group of residents of Verka village in Punjab had refused to allow the cremation of Padma Shri Bhai Nirmal Singh Khalsa (62), fearing spread of the virus. Khalsa, a former Hazoori Ragi at Golden Temple, had died on April 2, a day after he tested positive for the virus.

During a meeting held to review arrangements to fight coronavirus in the war room of the Secretariat here today, UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore congratulated the doctors and all health workers for their contribution in recovery of four Covid patients. He further appealed to the residents not to relax the vigil and maintain social distancing at home and outside.

UT Adviser Manoj Parida said curfew was being strictly implemented. “The issue of electronic curfew passes has been streamlined. Necessary arrangements have been made in Faida village. Special focus is being given to senior citizens, orphans and old-age homes,” he said.

Arun Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Health, said adequate number of PPEs, masks and medicines were available in all hospitals.

Finance Secretary AK Sinha said all arrangements for payment of salary and release of wages had been made.

Deputy Commissioner Mandip Singh Brar said he, along with SSP Nilambari Jagadale, visited Faidan village today. Necessary arrangements for distribution of dry ration were made there. Meanwhile, a total of 52,044 cooked food packets were distributed at various places in the city. Brar said the Covid fund had received contributions of Rs 1,04,66,574 so far. Badnore appealed to city residents to abide by the PM’s appeal to light candles, torches and oil lamps at 9 pm on Sunday. Electrical appliances, including TVs/refrigerators and ACs, should be switched on so that load variation could be smoothly handled, he added.

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