COVID-19 News: State Government Advises Corporates To Vaccinate Their Employees Promptly

Recently, the state government has advised all corporates to coordinate with private hospitals that are given 25% of vaccines by the centre and get their employees vaccinated on a large scale. 

Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray in his conversation with CII officials discussed a remote system of oxygen production, stock planning and vaccination of industry workers. All of the said measures are being undertaken for a possible third wave, wherein although restrictions may be tightened, the financial cycle must continue to not have detrimental effects on the production. Some other nuances that were also proposed included temporary accommodation for industrial workers in the company's premises, working hours and creating a bio-bubble. During the said discussions, Industry Minister Subhash Desai, Chief Secretary Sitaram Kunte, Additional Chief Secretary Health Dr Pradeep Vyas amongst others were present. 

The Chief Minister recommended that a task force for the industrial sector controlled by the Chief Minister's Secretariat should also be set up amid the possible third wave. This is recommended to keep the production cycle functioning even during certain restrictions. 

The Chief Minister also mentioned that approximately, 1300 metric tonnes of oxygen is currently produced, in the state. If, however, in the unfortunate incidence of the virus picking up its pace, the oxygen demand may rise further than what it was during the second wave. Thus, apart from oxygen production, oxygen storage also becomes critical which makes tanks and cylinders crucial. Considering the same, industries should vaccinate their workforce on a war footing. Currently, it is said that private hospitals have 25 lakh doses provided by the Centre which should be used extensively. 

In small and big industries, production should be encouraged by creating bio-bubbles that follow health protocols thus, helping keep the virus at bay. If restrictions are put in place, field accommodation that acts as a residence for workers in and around the company's vicinity should be made. Shifts must be made in such a form that crowd and stress on a particular facility are kept away. 

The new covid variants have taken countries across the world by storm, and thus the next few months become crucial for the state.