Image Courtesy: BBC
Bringing a ray of hope to the entire country, the COVID-19 cases have declined considerably in the past few weeks. However, amid the unlock process initiated by the various state governments, the risk of a third wave still remains high. The carelessness and negligence of citizens add fuel to the already grim situation.
Markets, public places, parks, trains and even hospitals have failed to adhere to the COVID-19 safety protocols. Recently, it was observed that in one of the reputed private hospitals in Pune the safety protocols went down the drain. While the citizens were waiting for their vaccine jab, the extremely crowded Sahyadri hospital (Karve Road) failed to make any arrangements for maintaining the social distance in the waiting area.
According to the government protocols, the number of people crowding in the hospitals during inoculation drives must be regulated every day. Only a fixed number of citizens who have registered for the vaccines online on the Co-Win app should be given the first priority for vaccination in a day. Walk-in vaccination is permitted in the centres but under the condition that the vaccines are in excess quantity.
Sahyadri Hospital which is one of the largest chains of hospitals in Maharashtra provides COVID-19 vaccines at a fixed rate. During one such day of vaccination drive, it was found that the people from all age groups (above 18) gathered in a ruckus in the hospital. Though the masks were safely worn by all, social distancing was hardly seen. Even while getting the vaccination for safety, the waiting area became a high-risk zone putting a lot of citizens in danger. Here are some clicks while waiting for the vaccination:
Not only this but also the staff was seen not following the basic COVID-19 protocols. You can see staff at the vaccination billing counter did not wear the mask properly.
This comes at a time when the Centre has taken up the responsibility from the states to vaccinate the maximum number of people in the next few months.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra reported 12,207 fresh cases and 393 deaths in the last 24 hours. The Pune district remains one among 6 key districts of concern with more than 12.17 per cent, according to the weekly positivity rate released yesterday.