IT News
Imphal, July 15:
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has said that the State has a low COVID vaccination rate and further called on the people of the State who are above 18 years and eligible to take as well as encourage others to take the COVID vaccination. The vaccines are available at all Government Vaccination Centres, he said.
The Chief Minister today launched the ‘COVID Vaccine Amrit Mahotsava’ Jan Abhiyan Free COVID Precaution Dose for 18-59 age group at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat. The Vaccine Mahotsava will continue till September 30, 2022 at Government Vaccination Centres. It is organized by the National Health Mission and Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Manipur.
Addressing media persons in this regard, the Chief Minister said that State is witnessing some gradual increase in the number of COVID Positive cases over the past few days. However, it is unfortunate that there are many people who are reluctant to take the vaccination even when it is provided free, the Chief Minister said, highlighting that only 62 percent (14,52,293) has taken the first dose of vaccination and only 51 percent (11,98,953) has taken the second dose. We are targeting vaccination of around 23,41,000, he added.
The Chief Minister appealed to the people against taking COVID-19 lightly and said we have already lost more than 2000 precious lives during the past COVID waves despite of all efforts, and that another wave of COVID would hugely affect the State.
The Chief Minister further urged all those who are yet to take any dose of the vaccination against believing in superstition and to instead take the vaccination.
Further regarding opening of schools, the Chief Minister observed that since children below 12 years of age are yet to be vaccinated, the government has decided on closure of schools for them for some time and that it could be extended if the need arise.
Stating that the government welcomes all ideas and suggestions from the general public, he added that the government was able to fight the COVID pandemic earlier with support and cooperation of the general public and would still need support and cooperation of the public to fight it again.
The programme was also attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh and Minister of Public Health Engineering Department, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution Department L. Susindro Meitei, department officials, among others.
