Booster dose likely to be administered for frontline staff and children aged 12-18
Rising concerns regarding the new Omicron variant has led Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray to direct the Health Department to increase vaccination coverage in Maharashtra. CM Thackeray has reportedly directed authorities to increase the number of vaccines carried out in the districts that are below the state’s average.
According to the report, the state health minister Rajesh Tope will suggest a plan for seeking booster shots for frontline staff in a meeting with Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya on December 9th. The issue of high RT-PCR rates at the airport will also be raised in the meeting.
Source: The Times of India I India Today
Only 2 samples out of 211 tested positive for the Omicron variant in Mumbai
Genome sequencing of 211 COVID-19 samples from Mumbai found that only two of the samples were infected with the new Omicron variant, while nearly 89% had the Delta derivative and 11% the Delta variant, said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in a statement on December 9th.
“The overall results of the test make it clear that the COVID-19 outbreak in Mumbai is completely under control as a result of vaccination, but, in the light of warnings by experts on the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, people must ensure they adhere to pandemic protocols like wearing masks, following hand hygiene and maintaining social distance,” the release said.
Source: Live Mint
Read more: Vaccines are almost here. Time for a large-scale testing system, says a Mumbai team
Not fully vaccinated for COVID-19? Face additional restrictions.
Reports suggest that those who haven’t taken the second jab of the COVID-19 vaccine might face issues in the state. A final decision on this is yet to be announced.
Over 1.75 crore citizens have still not received their second dose of the vaccine, which is increasing risk of infection. Warnings have also been issued in the city, stating that if both jabs have not been carried out, then the individual will have to face additional restrictions, as selective curbs may be implemented.
PTI quoted a senior official saying that the government may ask the district administration to restrict entry of people who have not been vaccinated into government and private offices, malls and shopping complexes. In addition, grocery stores and petrol stations will be instructed to serve only those who have gotten their second dose.
Source: Mumbai Live | Press Trust of India
Fire breaks out near Churchgate Station, no casualties
A fire erupted near Churchgate Station’s gate number 3 ahead of Ahilyabai Holkar Chowk on Thursday afternoon.
Locals said that the fire started in the unattended garbage that was lying on the east side of the train station. The fire began at 1:56 pm and soon came to notice when smoke started entering the station premises.
Four fire engines, water tankers, ambulances and ward level staff rushed to the site of the fire. The train station personnel putting out the fire with water buckets, along with the fire brigade teams that arrived in a few minutes, were able to control the fire from spreading. Nobody was hurt.
Source: The Times of India
Process to acquire land for new car sheds for Central and Western Railways has begun: MRVC
The Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC), which is setting up two car sheds each for the Central and Western Railway, has begun the land acquisition process at Bhivpuri in Karjat and Vangaon in Palghar, where they are proposed to be set up. These car sheds will be used for parking, maintenance, inspection and repair of local trains.
According to railway officials, there are currently three car sheds in Kurla, Kalwa and Sanpada on the Central Railway and three on the Western Railway’s Mumbai Central, Kandivali and Virar stations. However, there is a shortage of space to accommodate the existing rakes. The official said the two new car sheds will provide new facilities for the maintenance and repair of trains.
Source: The Indian Express
(Compiled by Radha Puranik)