As 1.61 lakh more get COVID-19, 879 die; let’s look at our safety protocols

Devotees pay obeisance at the Golden Temple on Baisakhi in Amritsar. Pics/PTI

The raging surge of COVID-19 cases and reports from several states of hospitals running out of beds and queues of ambulances with dead bodies forming outside crematoriums have not deterred thousands of citizens in the country.

People throng Damdama Sahib on the ocassion of Khalsa Sirjana Diwas and Baisakhi, in Bathinda

Scores of devotees were pictured huddled together at religious places, mostly in Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh -- which is among the top states reporting highest number of cases and which on Tuesday reported its highest-ever single-day spike of 18,021 cases.

People thronged religious sites on the occasion of Navratri and Baisakhi. The COVID-19 safety protocols call for mandatory wearing of face mask and maintaining a physical distance of 6 feet. However, all rules went for a toss on Tuesday at these places, and also at Haridwar where Kumbh Mela is ongoing. According to an Indian Express report, which quoted medical department officials, 102 of the 18,169 devotees tested between 11.30 pm on Sunday and 5 pm on Monday were found COVID-19 positive.

The blatant violation of COVID-19 prevention rules continues despite India registering record high daily cases. The Union health ministry on Tuesday morning confirmed 1,61,736 new cases and 879 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Union min Santosh Gangwar tests +ve

Union minister Santosh Gangwar on Tuesday informed that he has tested positive for COVID-19. "I want to inform you that my Corona test report has come back positive. I don't have any symptoms, I request that all the people who came in contact with me, please follow the Corona safety rules. Together we will win this epidemic," he tweeted.

Devotees offer prayers at Longa Wali Devi Temple on the first day of Navratri in Amritsar on Tuesday

UP govt's claim of control over COVID false: SP chief

Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav on Tuesday accused the Yogi Adityanath government of spreading false propaganda on the issue of controlling coronavirus, saying there is a "shortage" of beds and vaccines in Uttar Pradesh. "There is a crisis in UP due to Coronavirus.

Devotees at Maa Durga temple on on the first day of Navratri festival in Varanasi on Tuesday

The BJP government here has to answer as to why it indulged in false propaganda on controlling Coronavirus. There is a shortage of vaccines, tests, doctors, beds and ambulances. There is delay in test reports, and black marketing of medicines. Why is the BJP government silent on this?" he tweeted in Hindi. "Where is the star campaigner?" he said without naming any one.

Applicants huddle together to file their nomination form for UP Gram Panchayat election, in Mirzapur on Tuesday

1,36,89,453
Total number of cases in the country as of Sunday

1,71,058
Total no. of deaths due to the virus in India

1,22,53,697
Patients Recovered and discharged in India as of Sunday

10,85,33,085
(Total no. of people vaccinated so far)

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