UP to conduct a 15-day targeted COVID sampling drive to check the spread ahead of Holi

Keeping an eye on the spread of the COVID virus, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided that it will conduct a 15-day targeted sampling drive from March 13 to 27. As per the statements given by the Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary of Health, the prime objective of this sampling schedule will be to spot COVID positive people from amongst the migrant workers and visitors from other states.

Sampling schedule to cover people at dhabas & liquor shops

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The ADS was quoted saying, "During Holi, people from other states and areas come back to their homes to celebrate. There is a lot of movement during this period." The state government has planned that the focused sampling program shall cover people returning from other states, marked by a considerable virus spread. In addition to these, retailers of colours and water guns, workers at roadside eateries, dhabas and the owners, employees at alcohol and bhang shops shall also be tested.

Government planning to ban Holi Milan & Kavi Sammelan

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Assuring a strict check on the possible virus spread, the government is also deliberating upon a blanket ban on Holi Milan programmes and Kavi Sammelans, as stated by a senior health officer. Marked by huge gatherings, such events stand a great chance of propelling the spread of coronavirus. "We have not yet decided because ensuring social distancing at such functions is near impossible. We may allow some to be held with strict safety protocols," the official said.

Meanwhile, the government representative also mentioned that the state had become the first in the nation to administer 20 lakh vaccine jobs. While over 14.85 lakh shots were given in the first phase, in the second phase for persons above 60 and those between 45 and 60, doses had been administered to over 5.29 lakh persons.