Telangana mulls vax ‘pass’ for entry to malls, cinemas

HYDERABAD: The state government is considering allowing only vaccinated people into hotels, malls, cinema halls etc., in the future on the lines of a similar strategy adopted by France to battle vaccine hesitancy.
Speaking about the plan, director, public health, Dr G Srinivasa Rao, said, “We might implement this plan in future. People need to take all precautions and take vaccine to prevent the spread of the virus.The second wave is still active in the state and the number of cases are high in at least nine districts, including Khammam, Nalgonda, Karimnagar, GHMC and Peddapalli. The Delta variant is highly infectious. People should wear masks, both inside the house and while going out.”
The official also cited the example of Kusumanchi village, where a spurt of cases was reported recently. Positive patients were found roaming about freely instead of being in isolation. “We are currently seeing outbreaks in Mancherial, GHMC, Peddapalli among others. We have a responsibility to see that it does not turn into the third wave,” the official added.
On the two cases of Delta Plus variant found in Hyderabad in mid-May, the official said the two patients were safe and all their contacts were traced and tested. However, none of the contacts was found positive. The issue was also raised in the Parliament to which the Centre said that the two cases were detected at the airport and were of transit passengers.
Meanwhile, even as the second wave is yet to see an ebb in the state, the health department started preparations to face the third wave. “We have prepared 26,000 oxygen beds apart from maintaining paediatric wards in all district hospitals. Additionally, all hospitals with 100 beds and more have been mandated to have oxygen generation plants by August 31,” the official added.
Over 12L missed 2nd dose in T
Over 12 lakh people in the state had missed the second dose of Covid vaccine in July. As a result, it has been decided to give priority to second dose vaccination in the next two weeks and the first dose would come to a halt. The state has been able to give second dose to only 30 per cent of those who took the first dose. So far 33.79 lakh people have been administered the second dose out of the 1.12 crore people who have taken the first dose. tnn