EC to discuss Covid19 situation in 5 poll-bound states including Manipur

IMPHAL: Amid rising cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan will brief the Election Commission today on the Covid-19 situation in states including Manipur, where Assembly elections are scheduled to be held early next year.

Elections are expected in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur early next year.

The Health Secretary had on December 23 directed the poll-bound states to “exponentially ramp up vaccination” – especially in the “low coverage districts” to protect the vulnerable population.

Bhushan, during the review meeting with all states, also raised a red flag that pockets with low vaccination coverage may be more vulnerable to the new Omicron variant, and that district administrations have to pay special attention to ramp up vaccination in these pockets.

The Health Ministry has sent multidisciplinary teams to Uttar Pradesh and Punjab – for reporting vaccination below the national average. Uttar Pradesh has administered a cumulative 19.45 crore doses – 83 per cent have received first dose and 46 per cent are fully vaccinated. Punjab has administered a cumulative 2.60 crore doses – 77 per cent have received first dose and 41 per cent are fully vaccinated.