Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued an appeal to people, asking them to stay away from rumours, on a day when 35,614 fresh COVID-19 cases were reported in the state.
The 12-point appeal issued on Sunday calls upon people to step out of their homes only if necessary, and that high risk people (below 10 and above 60 years of age) should not step out at all. He also urged people to wear mask when stepping out and avoid crowded places.
Traders have been asked to use both masks and gloves while offices have been asked to call workers in shifts with one shift not consisting of more than half the workers. Those working on the field must wear gloves and masks while regular sanitisation, cleaning and fogging are essential. The CM also called for strict adherence to the night curfew and protocols in containment zones. Corona warriors must be accorded due respect, he said.
In view of the shortage of essential medicines and oxygen, the CM requested people not to hoard it.
At a meeting conducted earlier in the day with the team-11 which is the nodal team at the state level to manage the pandemic, the CM had directed that patients should be admitted to hospitals even if they do not have a RT-PCR test but have tested positive in an antigen test.
The CM had also said some people were creating an atmosphere of fear and panic. Same/similar messages were being circulated through different social media accounts. Such people would be identified, and strict action be taken against them, he added.
One social media account, blocked since Saturday afternoon, has been collating available information on beds, oxygen cylinders and medicines. The account holder said, “I was amplifying appeals of help received from people. I was not critical of the government. Showing the extent of people’s sufferings is not criticism.”
Another WhatsApp user said he got a call from the police about his COVID-19 support group, which was like a message board for those who could help and those in need of help. “We are providing information that the government is unable to give. What is wrong with that”, he said.
The active COVID-19 cases in the state stands at 2,97,616. The total positive cases till date are 10,86,625.
