Weekly test must for office entry, Punjab jab-reluctant healthcare staff told

Vishav Bharti

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 15

With Punjab witnessing an alarming surge in Covid cases, the state government has decided to act tough against healthcare workers reluctant to take vaccine.

At a recent video-conference, Principal Secretary Hussan Lal directed all civil surgeons to ensure entire staff was vaccinated soon. For those refusing to take vaccine, a weekly RTPCR test before joining duty was made must.

The message was conveyed to the field staff by civil surgeons. An order issued by the civil surgeon in Mansa mentions that “health employees not getting themselves tested won’t be allowed to enter their office and will be marked absent”.

Hussan Lal said they were not forcing any employee to take the jab, but vaccination was imperative in view of the staff’s public dealing.

Punjab had registered 2.06 lakh healthcare staff for vaccination, but only 1.08 lakh took the first dose and 54,000 the second. Earlier, Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu had ordered that healthcare workers not getting vaccinated would not be reimbursed for any Covid-related hospitalisation.

PM, CMs talk tomorrow

PM Modi will interact with CMs on the Covid situation on Wednesday as the Centre looks to ramp up the inoculation drive amid a rise in cases in some states.

PSEB postpones exams

Punjab School Education Board has postponed Class X and XII exams. The Class XII exams will now start on April 20 (instead of March 22) and Class X on May 4 (earlier April 9).

No early jab for judges

The Centre on Monday opposed a PIL in the SC seeking preferential treatment for judges, lawyers and court staff as regards vaccination. Creating a separate class may not be desirable, the Centre said.

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