COVID-19: Home Secretary requests states, UTs to ensure adequate supply of medical oxygen

Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla on Monday has asked all States and Union Territories to pay special attention to medical oxygen supply amid COVID-19 pandemic. Bhalla wrote a letter to Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs in country. 

In letter, he wrote, "As you are aware that re is a critical need to maintain an adequate supply of medical oxygen in country in wake of COVID-19 pandemic and that medical oxygen is also included in  national list and WHO's list of essential medicines, refore, special attention needs to be given on keeping supply of medical oxygen smooth and hassle-free."

Home Secretary directs strict enforcement

Amid Coronavirus crisis, on March 24,  Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had issued consolidated guidelines on lockdown measures to be taken by Ministries/Departments of Government of India, State/Union Territory governments and State/Union Territory authorities in country. recently modified guidelines were issued on April 3. 

In letter, Union Home Secretary has stated that social distancing and proper hygiene practices must be ensured as specified in lockdown measures. letter read, "It will be responsibility of head of organisation/establishment to ensure compliance of such rms. district authorities have been asked to ensure strict enforcement."

Read: Pinarayi Vijayan writes to Maharashtra counterpart, urges alleviation of nurses' concerns 

India under lockdown

On March 24, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had anunced a 21-day lockdown in entire country effective from midnight of March 25 to deal with spread of coronavirus, saying that "social distancing" is only option to deal with disease, which spreads rapidly.  21-day curfew is applicable to all states, districts, and vills — irrespective of wher y were earlier under curfew or t.

Read: PM Modi expresses solidarity with Boris Johnson, hopes for his early recovery from COVID

COVID-19 cases soar in India

As per latest figures, re are around 3,851 Coronavirus positive cases in India. While 111 deaths have been reported overall, around 319 people have also been cured/discharged/migrated. Meanwhile, at present, re are around 1,334,233 confirmed cases of COVID-19 across globe which has led to death of around 74,105 people. Along with it, around 277,737 people have reportedly recovered. 

Read: UK PM Boris Johnson moved to intensive care unit amid COVID-19 treatment: 10 Dowing Street

Read: Lockdown: Bihar government provides financial aid to over 1 Lakh migrant labourers

(With ANI Inputs)