Andhra Pradesh lifts night curfew, wearing mask mandatory in public places

Andhra CM has directed the authorities to continue the fever survey and asked them to conduct tests for those with symptoms. Also, he stressed on achieving 100 per cent vaccination against Covid-19 in the state.

NEW DELHI: In view of a drop in the Covid-19 positivity rate and the number of daily cases, the Andhra Pradesh government has lifted the night curfew. The decision in this regard was taken after Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy held a review meeting on the prevailing situation of Covid-19 late on Monday.

During the review meeting, the Chief Minister said that Covid-19 precautions must be taken at all times, especially in the public and commercial spaces by wearing masks. "Wearing of mask by all individuals in public places is mandatory and non-compliance shall attract a penalty of Rs 100. Orders will remain in effect till 28th February 2022,’’ the order from the CMO said.

He directed the authorities to continue the fever survey and asked them to conduct tests for those with symptoms. Also, he stressed on achieving 100 per cent vaccination against COVID-19 in the state. 

On the Covid-19 situation, the officials stated that the pandemic is gradually decreasing, where 794 patients are getting treated in hospitals while the number of positive cases in the state has come down to 18,929, registering only 0.82 per cent of Covid-19 active cases.

The positivity rate has also fallen to 3.29 per cent from 17.07 per cent and there were zero cases in almost 9581 village/wards secretariats. On the vaccination front, the officials said that 3,90,83,148 people have been administered two doses of vaccination, and 39,04,927 were given a single dose. 

While the target for the precautionary dose is 15,02,841 and so far, 11,84,608 people have been vaccinated. The officials informed that 96.7 per cent of vaccination was completed in the above 45-year age group and similarly 90.07 per cent vaccination was done in people between 18-44 age group. 

For teens between 15-18 years, 24.41 lakh have been administered with a single dose of vaccine, while 12.48 lakh have received their second dose of vaccine. In regard to staff recruitments, the Chief Minister directed the authorities to complete the entire recruitments in the Medical and Health Department at the earliest, ensuring that all the hospitals are enabled with a proper workforce with zero vacancies. 

He instructed the officials to separate both administrative and medical responsibilities in hospitals and hand over the administrative work to those having expertise in that field.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister announced to provide special incentives to specialist doctors and doctors working in tribal areas. In this context, the officials stated that 50 per cent of the basic salary can be given as an incentive to specialist doctors and similarly for doctors, 30 per cent of the basic pay can be given as a special incentive.

Deputy Chief Minister Alla Kali Krishna Srinivas (Nani), Chief Secretary Dr Sameer Sharma, Principal Secretary of Health Department Anil Kumar Singhal, Principal Secretary of Health Department (Covid Management and Vaccination) Muddada Ravichandra, Covid Task Force Committee Chairman MT Krishnababu and others were present.