Punjab CM orders to maintain testing at 30,000 a day

Amid projections of a second coronavirus wave hitting Punjab, Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday directed the Health and Medical Education Departments to maintain levels of testing at 30,000 a day.

He also ordered amendment in rules to enable direct recruitment of super specialist doctors to meet the shortfall of the medical staff.

Chairing a high-level virtual meeting to review the pandemic situation in the State, the CM asked Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan to work on amending the rules for ensuring direct recruitment in super specialty departments to prevent weakening of response to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Chief Minister directed the Departments concerned to ensure that at least 25,000 RT-PCR and 5,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) are conducted every day, according to a release.

“The current decline in cases, notwithstanding, the situation remains grim with a second wave expected to hit the State, he said, stressing the need to strictly follow all safety protocols. He directed DGP Dinkar Gupta to crack down on those not wearing masks or adhering to social distancing norms. PTI