33% Delhiites develop antibodies as per new sero survey

On September 17th, Delhi government shared the results of the third serological survey that was conducted in all the 11 districts of the national capital. Around 17000 samples were collected for the survey. Based on the results, it was found that 33% of Delhiites have developed antibodies for the COVID-19 infection. The government is claiming it to be the highest sero prevalence noted since the outbreak.

As per the new guidelines, the administration has aimed to test each person living inside the containment zone within five days of the zone being notified. As of now, the city has 1560 containment zones.

The first sero survey displayed an antobody prevalence rate of 23.4%, while the second survey showed 29%.

Source: The Times of India

Bike ambulances to start operating in pink city

As part of a private company’s CSR initiative, a fleet of five bike ambulances was launched on September 17th in Jaipur by the Health Minister of the state. The bike ambulances will act as first responders in the city, especially in areas where lanes are narrow and inaccessible to an ambulance.

The Chief Medical Health Officer (CMHO) of the city will soon issue an emergency number which will be used for coordinating the operations of these bike ambulances.

The bikes are equipped with modern facilities like oxygen cylinder, foldable hood and a first aid box. The cost of each bike is Rs. 1.70 lakh. At present, more than 1300 ambulances are functional in the city under various schemes of the state government like 108, Janani express etc.

Source: The Times of India

Srinagar conducts second drive of mass COVID-19 testing

The District Disaster Management Authority of Srinagar initiated the second drive of mass COVID-19 testing in municipal wards of the city. Multiple teams have been formed to conduct the tests and the process might continue for at least a month.

The focus of the testing drive will be on markets and government offices. In the first phase of the drive, 32000 tests were conducted in 12 days. However, these are mostly Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) which have on occasions been criticized for inaccurate results.

Source: Hindustan Times | Economic Times

Remdesivir shortage in Pune

Remdesivir, a drug that has shown some impact in fighting the COVID-19 infection, is in shortage at various hospitals in Pune. KEM and Noble hospitals complained about the shortage of this critical drug posing a challenge for treatment of the patients admitted to the facility.

The administration is required to keep 25000 vials of the drug per month in the stock. There has been a huge demand for the drug in Maharashtra, especially in Pune and neighboring areas. However, the municipal authorities have said that the standing committee has recently approved the procurement of 1000 vials which will be made available to healthcare facilities soon.

Source: The Indian Express

Hyderabad: AIMIM demands Rs.10,000 cr for redevelopment

As part of the discussion on civic development in the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) area and adjoining areas, Akbaruddin Owaisi, AIMIM floor leader in the state assembly, claimed that the old city of Hyderabad was lagging behind on the development front and demanded allocation of Rs. 10,000 cr for developing it at par with the new city.

Owaisi pointed to water problems in the old city and also the ill-maintenance of heritage sites. He claimed that road widening and expansion projects have been pending for a long time, including the Charminar Pedestrianization Project.

Owaisi further claimed that Metrorail projects have been completed in other parts of the city, but not in the old city, which is really disappointing. He thanked the sanitation and health workers for their efforts during the entire COVID-19 period.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Gurugram’s famous Sahara Mall sealed for violating pollution norms

On September 14th, the Haryana Pollution Control Board (HPCB) sealed the city’s famous commercial hub, Sahara Mall for violating sewage treatment norms. As per samples taken by HPCB, it was found that sewage was not being treated properly in accordance with the law regarding the same.

In 2018, a similar violation had been recorded by the board, as a result of which a fine of Rs. 2.5 lakh was imposed on the mall. The shopkeepers have expressed their concern as business has anyway been slow due to the pandemic.

The board has strictly stated that they will allow the mall to operate only if all the norms are complied with and requisite permissions are obtained.

Source: The Times of India

Compiled by Rishabh Shrivastava