Shun complacency, don’t lower guard against contagion

OPEN HOUSE: What steps should the Administration take to prevent a third covid wave in UT?

All Depends on precautions taken

Preventive measures already taken must continue in the coming days too. Markets and malls have been opened, but the public and the business community should follow Covid appropriate behaviour. Oxygen supply, PPE kits and life-saving medicines should be in stock. Third Covid wave threat is real, but its severity or potential impact will depend on what precautions citizens take.

NPS Sohal, Chandigarh

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Ramp up health infrastructure

Overcrowding in markets and people not following Covid appropriate behaviour prove that the third coronavirus wave is imminent. To defeat it, the Administration needs to ramp up health infrastructure like keep good stock of life-saving drugs, oxygen supply, set up more Covid care centres and taking strong action against people flouting safety norms. The policy of test, track and treat must be followed strictly to mitigate third wave severity.

Sunil Khanna, Chandigarh

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Administer Covid vaccine to all in city

The way people behave proves that the third Covid wave is round the corner. They are least bothered about safety of norms. So, the Administration needs to deal strictly with violators in markets, clubs, marriage palaces and other public places. Jabs be administered to all sector and colonies wise in the UT.

Opinder Kaur Sekhon, Chandigarh

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Don’t underplay virus threat

Covid spread since its outbreak in Wuhan through air passengers. The government should sanitise airports and thoroughly screen air passengers. Thermal scanning won’t help. Quick Covid testing is essential. Same is needed for long route transporters and public carriers. Each driver travelling with national permit has to be tested for the virus and vaccinated. Underplaying Covid threat needs to be checked and violators fined heavily.

Rajpartap Singh, Chandigarh

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Take all steps to minimise impact

With gradual lifting of the lockdown restrictions and opening up of various activities in the UT there is every likelihood of the third Covid wave coming soon. The Administration should ramp up the health infrastructure and ensure proper supply of medicines. All steps should be taken to minimise impact of the third wave. Vaccination drive should be stepped up through campaigns.

Dr Dinesh Kumar Verma, Panchkula

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Ban intermingling of people in city

As there is possibility of third Covid wave hitting the City Beautiful it depends on residents to minimise its impact. It’s necessary for all to be cautious. Unfortunately, people mingle with each other at the slightest opportunity throwing social distancing norm to the winds. The UT Administration must discipline violators of preventive guidelines. It should ban unbridled movement of people at public places.

SC Luthra, Chandigarh

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Residents have lowered guard

The third Covid wave is reality. It could be more deadly with new variant. People have lowered guard, which can aggravate pandemic. The only way to control it by implementing safety guidelines like wearing face masks, maintaining social distance, aggressive testing and vaccination. Hotels are the real hotspots as Covid spreads from such places. Strict vigil should be maintained at such spots.

Capt Amar Jeet (retd), Mohali

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Continue with norms till virus is wiped out

The UT Administration should continue with Covid safety norms to prevent the third wave and wiping out of virus from City Beautiful. The public must ensure social distancing, sanitise hands frequently and wear face masks. Covid vaccine should be administered to all age groups without any discrimination.

Col TBS Bedi (retd), Mohali

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Sufficient health staff availability

To deal with possible third Covid wave the Administration should improve health facilities in the city. Besides, vaccination drive must be ramped up to inoculate majority of population. Sufficient doctors, including paramedical staff, should be deployed at Covid-dedicated hospitals/healthcare centres. If need arises more health staff can be recruited.

Gurjinder Singh Kamboj, Chandigarh

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Ensure social distancing

People move in groups without wearing face masks in the city. To prevent the third Covid wave the Administration must prevail upon them to wear face masks in public places. Violators must be prosecuted. Besides, all must follow social distancing norm.

AK Sharma, Chandigarh

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Open new vaccination centres in UT

The danger of the third Covid wave looms large, but in Chandigarh no one is bothered. The Administration should vaccinate maximum residents in the city. More infrastructure should be provided at hospitals and healthcare centres. New vaccination centres must be opened in the city. Registration for vaccination of any age group should not be mandatory.

Vijay Malia, Chandigarh

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Vaccination only option

To prevent the third Covid wave in the city vaccination is the only option, which people can avail. Besides, people should maintain social distancing and wear face masks. The Administration should ensure that everyone in the city is vaccinated and also continue with test, treat and isolate policy.

AK Jindal, Patiala

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Laxity can lead to onset of third wave

Though the Administration may formulate more protocols while not hampering day-to-day business, it is public response to coronavirus that matters. Laxity on part of the public towards safety warnings could onset the third Covid wave shortly. In fact all efforts of the Administration might prove futile if residents ignore safety guidelines.

Gobind Ahuja, Chandigarh

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Awareness via texting on mobile phones

In this digital age, the UT Administration should create awareness about maintain social distance, wearing face masks and sanitising hands regularly on its website as well as by sending texts to residents on their respective mobile phones.

Tarunjot Kaur, Greater Mohali

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Prevention is better than cure

If we go by experts’ opinion, they believe that the third Covid wave is inevitable. In such a situation, the proverb “Prevention is better than cure” is apt. So, we all must follow rules and guidelines framed to prevent the spread of infection. The first and foremost is vaccination of all residents.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi, Chandigarh

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Upgrade all medical facilities

The Administration should take strict steps with suggestions from experts to prevent the third Covid wave. Baseless fear about virus should not be created through wrong publicity. All medical facilities should be upgraded in advance. Public must wear face masks, maintain social distance and use hand sanitisers frequently.

Sumesh Kumar Badhwar, Mohali

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Conduct sero survey in UT

The first and the second Covid waves were eye openers for all. There is apprehension of the third Covid wave striking UT. The Administration should conduct sero survey to identify population vulnerable to virus. Vaccination drive should be ramped up. Hospitals must have sufficient beds and medicines to accommodate maximum patients in case the need arises. Remain vigilant and don’t lower guard against virus.

Dr Anil Kumar Yadav, Chandigarh

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Onus lies on UT residents

Undoubtedly, the government is there for framing rules whereas the onus lies on residents to follow these guidelines issued from time to time. However, only some individuals are following these properly. Therefore, small efforts of UT residents can control the third Covid wave.

Jasmer Singh, Greater Mohali

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Challan for not wearing face mask

Restrict entry at the public places like Sukhna Lake and malls. The UT Administration should vaccinate all beneficiaries above 18 years. Libraries should be open only for students preparing for competitive exams. Cops should challan people not wearing face masks.

Savita Kuthiala, Chandigarh

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Act against hospitals overcharging patients

During the second Covid wave health facilities were found lacking in the UT. Now is the time to rectify mistakes, which happened in the past. The UT Administration should provide enough oxygen and medicines to patients, who contract the disease. Besides, strict action should be taken against hospitals, which overcharge for treating Covid patients.

Satinder Kaur, Chandigarh

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People least scared of third wave

Alerts from Covid experts over impending third Covid wave are a virtual clarion call for the people and those at the helm of affairs to shun complacency towards pandemic. The looming third Covid wave scare has failed to deter people as they could be seen throwing the SOPs to the winds. The UT Administration must ensure that those violating Covid norms should be sent behind bars.

RAMESH K DHIMAN, Chandigarh

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Don't let third wave knock at anyone's door

The UT Administration should step up vaccination drive. City residents must act responsibly and follow safety protocols like wearing good quality face mask, maintain social distance at public places and sanitise hands regularly. Don't let the third Covid wave knock at anyone's door.

MR Bhateja, Nayagaon

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Warnings have not spooked residents

The warning of the impending third Covid wave has not spooked UT residents. The Administration should ramp up vaccination drive in the city. Efforts should made to administer vaccine on the doorstep of beneficiaries. Vaccine should be free for all. Besides, UT residents must not lower guard against the virus.

Vidya Sagar Garg, Panchkula

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Continue with test, trace and treat policy

The UT Administration should continue with the test, trace and treat policy to reduce virus transmission during the third wave. Gatherings, mass congregations or rallies, especially in mandis, should not be allowed. The vaccination drive must be augmented on large scale. Moreover, people should not lower their guards against Covid.

Arti Sood, Chandigarh

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Restrictions should continue in city

Though tricity has been witnessing fewer Covid cases these days, restrictions should continue. People should not feel that they have secured a complete victory over coronavirus. Restrictions will ensure that all don't end up in a third Covid wave, which according to experts is expected in six to eight weeks.

Priyam Aggarwal, Chandigarh

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Strict vigil at public places

Nowadays violation of corona protocol is taken lightly. Hardly anybody is punished. If the Administration is serious about containing the disease, there should be strict vigil at all public places so that everyone adheres to Covid norms. Public does not obey rules unless they are monetarily penalised or sent behind bars.

Bubby Soin, Chandigarh

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Boost immunity

The Administration should start vaccinating children on priority basis. Parents too need to provide healthy and nutritious food to children and encourage them to indulge in any form of physical activity like walking, jogging, skipping etc to boost their immunity. Yoga and meditation can help children combat the deadly virus.

Abhilasha Gupta, Mohali

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Face mask should be mandatory

The evidence from urban areas proves that Covid-appropriate behaviour is being ignored. The best long-term solution against Covid is vaccination. As there is demand and supply gap for vaccination it won't be possible to inoculate maximum people to ward off a third wave. The only solution is to rigorously follow the advice of wearing face mask.

Sanjay Chopra, Mohali

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Make sure vaccine is available for all

To prepare for possible third wave the UT Administration should ramp up the healthcare infrastructure and vaccination drive and strictly enforce Covid protocol. People should volunteer to get vaccinated as the fast-spreading new variants is more transmissible and dangerous. The Administration should ensure to vaccine is available at all healthcare facilities.

Col Balbir Mathauda (retd), Chandigarh

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Vaccination in shortest period

The UT Administration should ensure that people follow Covid protocol. This is the first step to prevent the third Covid wave. Besides, all residents must be vaccinated as soon as possible. If short of health staff in hospitals doctors and paramedics can be recruited to control the pandemic. More beds should be provided in hospitals to accommodate Covid patients.

Adish Sood, Amloh

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Remove flaws in healthcare facilities

Medical experts have warned of the third Covid wave, which can be more dangerous. The UT Administration should remove flaws in health facilities. No one should die for want of oxygen, hospital bed, life-saving medicines and shortage of medical staff.

Suresh Verma, Chandigarh

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Don't allow crowding at public places

The UT Administration should not allow crowding at public places. Shopkeepers must provide hand sanitiser to customers. Face mask should be mandatory for all. The Administration should make sure that there is enough supply of oxygen and medicines for Covid patients. People should be guided how to use oxygen concentrator at home. Attendance in colleges should not be mandatory.

Avinash Goyal, Chandigarh

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Covid protocol can beat monster

It's easy to prevent the third Covid wave in Chandigarh. Residents should strictly follow Covid protocols to beat the monster. Only through vaccination, third wave can be contained. The UT has small area and a population, which can be easily vaccinated in shortest possible time. Centre must ensure enough supply of vaccine doses for the UT.

Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Chandigarh

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Round-the-clock vaccination

No one can predict how dangerous third Covid wave could be in our country. The tool to protect UT residents from the virus is vaccine, which should be available 24×7 under medical supervision. The Administration must ensure availability of ICU beds, medicines and oxygen at hospitals.

Parampreet Kaur, Chandigarh

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Genome sequencing of new samples

The Administration should start genome sequencing of samples collected from recently infected patients to find if there are strains of the new mutated virus, encourage vaccination of all residents, keep a check on congested public and penalise people, who don't follow safety protocols. The Administration must ensure that the Covid appropriate behaviour is followed strictly all the time.

Simran Sidhu, Chandigarh

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Reduce relaxations given recently

To prevent the third Covid wave the UT Administration should reduce relaxations given recently. Large gatherings at social functions, markets and public places should be restricted. Shops opening and closing times also has to be reviewed. Shopkeepers should ensure that no customers without face masks enter their shops and follow social distancing norm.

Balbir Singh Batra, Mohali

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Brace for a possible third Covid wave

The new UT Adviser has extolled all to brace for possible third wave, jack up vaccination and open centres over weekends for inoculating people. Precautions and Covid-appropriate protocols are increasingly being violated with impunity. Self-regulation has failed. Rampant carelessness is visible all around. Lifting curbs to promote lives and livelihood does in no way allow lowering our guards. The authorities ought to firmly check violations.

Lalit Bharadwaj, Panchkula

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Divert CSR funds to Covid management

The Covid-19 pandemic has presented yet another opportunity to companies to make good on their corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitments. The UT Administration should rope in maximum corporates to spend their CSR funds on societal needs during the pandemic.

Dr Bharat, Chandigarh

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Come out with vaccine for childeren

To avert catastrophic consequences, vaccination should be the top-most priority especially for the children, who could be the next vulnerable group. Vaccination in slums/colonies remains a challenge as residents are influenced by factors, including perception, trust, norms and beliefs. This needs to be mitigated by setting up robust vaccination mechanism and organising awareness drives. Besides, stock of life-saving drugs and oxygen concentrators should be scaled up on priority.

Prof Pushpa Kewal, Karnal

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Lift restrictions at slower pace

The Chandigarh Administration should reduce restrictions imposed to curb the corona spread in the city at much slower pace. Places witnessing huge rush need to be kept under watch. Maximum people must be vaccinated during next two months. Wearing of face mask and social distancing must continue to thwart the spread of the virus. Medical services must be upgraded.

Wg Cdr Jasbir Minhas (retd), Mohali

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Zero tolerance to violation of norms

The UT Administration should adopt multi-pronged approach to deal with the third Covid wave. Top priority must be given to strengthening medical infrastructure and enhance vaccination centres in the city. Procedure for allotment of time slot for vaccination should be streamlined. There must be zero tolerance against violation of the Covid-appropriate behaviour.

RPS Chopra, Chandigarh

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Prepare for the worst, hope for the best

By liberally relaxing various curbs the UT Administration has sent an open invitation for the third Covid wave. Now, the Administration should step up vaccination drive and close all parks after seven in the morning. Even Sukhna Lake must be closed after 8 am. Violators of Covid protocol must be issued challan for detention of at least four hours.

Col KJ Singh (Retd), Chandigarh

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People can save themselves

At present, the government and healthcare authorities can provide us with necessary resources to treat infection, but prevention lies in the hands of public. They can keep themselves safe from the third Covid wave by adhering to safety guideline. Residents must understand their responsibilities and not step out of their homes without wearing face mask, avoid public gatherings and wash hands frequently.

Charu Malhotra, Mohali

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Create awareness in rural belt

The Delta Plus variant is believed to be more transmissible and dangerous. In order to prevent the third Covid wave the authorities must create awareness in the rural belt, make sure everyone wears face mask and maintains social distance. The administrative machinery needs to work day and night to vaccinate maximum number of residents and increase Covid testing across city. All must be motivated to get jabbed. Also, the Administration should strengthen medical infrastructure in the UT.

SK Khosla, Chandigarh

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QUESTION

It takes around two months for the UT Administration and the Municipal Corporation to redress complaints regarding dead trees in the city. The recent incident of an elderly couple getting injured after a tree fell on their house in Sector 15 is one such example. The couple had already complained about the dead tree to the authorities concerned. Do you think that this system needs to be streamlined and such complaints dealt with on priority?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to [email protected]