Corporate offices to be closed in six worst-hit districts

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 24

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced that the IT sector and corporate offices in six districts — Faridabad, Gurugram, Hisar, Panchkula, Karnal and Sonepat — would remain closed till May 3 up to 9 pm due to rising Covid cases.

The government offices in all districts will operate at 50 per cent attendance. Even the industry has been asked to work in shifts.

He clarified that no lockdown would be imposed in Gurugram and Faridabad. “Work-from-home should be followed, wherever possible,” he said.

The CM chaired a state-level Covid Monitoring Committee today.

“The Covid figures have been rising by the day and the government has put all its strength to control it,” he said while addressing a press conference.

For vaccinating the population above 18 years, the government hospitals would administer doses free of cost. It will cost Rs 880 crore to the state exchequer. However, in private hospitals, people have to pay Rs 600 per injection.

“The vaccination drive will start from May 1 for people above 18 years. It will be registered-based. People can choose to go at private or government facilities,” said the CM.

On oxygen demand, the CM said with the help of the Centre, the shortage had been met. “We had raised the demand of 180 MT, but are getting 162 MT. In future, we may need 200 MT for which the Centre would be approached to meet the shortfall,” he said.

“We have issued an order for oxygen from Bokaro through the train. About 6,000 MT oxygen supply would come from there. We will keep oxygen in reserve too,” said the CM. A team has been set up to monitor oxygen supply across the state. New plants will be set up for oxygen production.

All private hospitals had been asked to reserve 50 per cent beds for Covid patients. Earlier, the reservation was 30 per cent. He also said that at the PGIMS, Rohtak, 1,000 beds, and in other medical colleges, 1,250 beds with oxygen had been added.