Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein and Health Minister Alo Libang informed about the initiatives taken by the state government, including reduction of charges for Covid tests, screening and testing at entry points from 19 April, etc.

Khandu said the second wave of the virus has emerged as a real threat owing to its more infectious nature, resulting in a higher mortality rate than the first wave that had rocked the world last year.

He emphasized on strict adherence to Covid-19 SOPs, and encouraged all eligible people to get vaccinated. He also sought to dispel the rumours regarding the ineffectiveness and side-effects of the vaccine and said that the vaccine being provided by the government is safe and effective against the virus.

“Till yesterday, we vaccinated about 1.35 lakh people. Going by the rapid increase in Covid positive cases, we have to get more and more people vaccinated. Legislators, corporators, councillors and panchayat members need to encourage people to go for vaccination, besides creating awareness on compulsory wearing of masks, maintaining social distance and proper hygiene,” he said.

Khandu also emphasized on more testing through TrueNat and RT-PCR. He said testing, tracking and treatment have to be ramped up. “By Monday the government, through the department of health and family welfare, will notify the guidelines to combat this second wave of coronavirus,” he informed.

All entry points to the state will be on vigil and testing will be made compulsory for all people entering the state. Also, restrictions will be put on social gatherings and functions, Khandu said.