55 test Covid +ve in Haryana’s Panchkula, highest in 2 months

Panchkula district reported 55 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, the highest in the past two months

Panchkula district reported 55 new cases of Covid-19 on Wednesday, the highest in the past two months.

As many as 319 cases reported in the first 10 days of March, which is more than the cases surfaced throughout February. (HT File Photo)

The numbers have been on the rise since the beginning of this month, with 319 cases reported in the first 10 days, which is more than the cases that surfaced throughout February (313).

Meanwhile, the number of active cases has jumped from 124 at the beginning of the month to 310, and recovery rate has dropped from 97.4% to 95.8%. The total number of cases has reached 11,155. While 10,696 people have been cured, 149 have succumbed to the virus.

“We are fully prepared to deal with the situation. We have again increased testing and reassessed our preparations in terms of bed availability,” said Dr Jasjeet Kaur, civil surgeon, Panchkula.

Dr Kaur said both Ayush and ESI departments have been asked to provide additional staff for Covid-19 duty, and a Covid-care centre has been made functional at BRS Medical college again. It was discontinued last month.

“We are trying to vaccinate a large number of people, and would try to reduce mortality as much as possible,” she said.

The total number of cases in the district has reached 11,155. While 10,696 people have been cured, 149 have succumbed to the virus.

Follow Covid appropriate behaviour: DC

On Wednesday, deputy commissioner Mukesh Kumar Ahuja chaired a meeting, where it was decided that police should intensify the drive to challan people found without masks in public places. Apart from this, there will be restrictions on gathering of people in public places and increased sampling in hot spots.

Ahuja has also directed that in view of the pandemic, Mahashivratri festival on Thursday will be celebrated with due diligence at all religious places, especially at Saketri where the congregation is in large numbers.

“It is necessary and expedient to ensure strict compliance of the guidelines/standard operation procedures issued by the government with regard to Covid-19 appropriate behaviour,” he said.

The civic body was directed to sanitise the temple premises at regular intervals. Incident commanders assisted by police personnel have been tasked with keeping vigil in their respective jurisdictions.