Covid third wave hits Tripura, CM says state ready with improved health infra
Agartala, Jan 11: Tripura has witnessed a surge in the Covid positive cases over the past few days as the third wave hit the state. The state has recorded 579 new positive cases of the total 8166 samples tested in the past 24 hours.
In view of the spike in Covid cases, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday assured that the state government is ready to deal with the third wave with improved health infrastructures.
Addressing the people in a video message, Deb said the virus is spreading fast this time and the Covid positivity rate is highest in the Agartala Municipal Corporation area—17.22 percent.
While the Covid positivity rate reached 7.09 percent in the state, West Tripura district along contributed 10.29 percent positive cases followed by Khowai 5.02 percent, Sepahijala 5.24 percent, Unakoti 5.25 percent, Dhalai 4.25 percent, Gomati 5.21 percent, South Tripura 7.12 percent and North Tripura 1.49 percent, he said.
He also spoke on the availability of health infrastructures including beds for Covid patients.
“At present, 3649 beds have been made available for Covid management. More beds will be arranged soon,” Deb said in his video message.
According to Deb, 22 Oxygen Plants including one in ADC are functional at present. Besides, 1729 concentrators, 2263 cylinders, 2391 pulse oximeters and 193 ventilators are also available while the state has sufficient of medicines and other medical essentials.
Speaking on the Covid vaccination drive, Deb said 36.18 percent (around 77,000) beneficiaries of the target population (2.13 lakh) in 15-18 age group already received the first dose.
In the 18+ age group, the state administered total 48,21,906 doses (first and second) so far, he said, adding that the vaccination coverage made the people safe to a great extent.
Deb sought cooperation from all section of people to deal with the emerging situation. He stressed on staying in Home Isolation and following doctors’ advice in case of mild symptoms.
“If the symptoms are mild, the patients should stay in home isolation but they must be in contact with health staff. If the health condition deteriorates, the patients need to take admission in hospitals,” Deb said in the video message.
He appealed to the people to fight back the third wave in the same spirit they dealt with the first and second ones.
The Chief Minister said the state has sufficient stock essential commodities. In case of any attempt of black-marketing, the administration would deal it in strong hand.
Meanwhile, West Tripura district magistrate along with his team visited various shopping malls in the city while the Corona Night Curfew (9 pm to 5 am) already came into force from Monday. The administration is going whole hog against the people who are violating the norm of wearing mask.