On Tuesday, Lucknow’s COVID tally reported yet another peak, exceeding the 5,000 mark. About 5382 test positive for the virus infection here, mounting the total caseload to 1,16,668 here. Amid this spiralling surge, the state government announced that all government and non-government schools in Lucknow and other UP districts to remain closed until April 30. However, all exams will be conducted as per announced schedules and all teaching and non-teaching staff will continue to attend their respective institutes.
COVID-19 rise in Lucknow
With the resurging trend of COVID-19 across India, Lucknow clocked in the highest-ever infection tally on April 13. While the state authorities are buckling up efforts and infrastructure to arrest this rise, people are advised to take all personal precautions against the booming rise. As per reports, all hospitals in the state capital, both private and government have exhausted their bed vacancy, creating troubles for people reporting fresh infection.
The Governor has stated that the state needs to take benefit from its past experience to control phase 2 of COVID-19 infection. He emphasized the need to curtail its spread and has relied on the availability of the anti-COVID vaccine to help achieve the target, effectively.
High Death toll adding to the city woes
Funeral pyres at Baikunth Dham, Lucknow Pawan Kaushal
While the rising spread of coronavirus infection has raised alarms, the high mortality rate has emerged as another pressing issue. As per the health department records, the city witnessed as many as 31 deaths on Sunday, while the toll touched 21 on Monday. Amid this, the municipal authorities are encountering several roadblocks to cremate these bodies, given the resource crunch to conduct their last rites. Sources have informed that besides the shortage of pyre woods, there is also the manpower issue.
Designated workers are reluctant to do their job, fearing the spread of COVID-19 infection. Reportedly, the civic corporation has now decided to get more electric crematoriums in 15-20 days. These will effectively reduce the waiting time to cremate the body to 1 hour, instead of the 6-7 hours at the present.
