Manipur Chief Minister N Biren on Thursday flagged off COVID Vaccination Express in Imphal East district from the Chief Minister's Secretariat. During the event, he appealed to the people to maintain strict SOPs during election campaigns. He also said that non-vaccinated people must refrain from joining any election rally or meeting.
The chief minister said the number of COVID-19 positive cases has decreased. However, as the COVID-19 condition has not been completely overcome yet, people should continue to follow the SOPs strictly and more people should get vaccinated. The state government is aiming for zero COVID-19 positivity rate in the state, he added.
Under the COVID Vaccination Express programme, 15 vehicles equipped with necessary equipment, vaccines and medical personnel will reach every part of the district to vaccinate people at their doorsteps, he said.
The chief minister said the COVID Vaccination Express for the remaining 14 districts will also be started soon. He said 90 more vehicles have been ordered for the said purpose. As Imphal West and Imphal East have more population, the doorstep vaccination express for these two districts has been prioritised, he said.
Regarding the surge of positive cases among children in Churachandpur district, the chief minister informed that an expert team has been sent to look into the matter. After a report is taken from them, the matter of reopening schools and colleges would be deliberated.
Addressing the media on the sidelines of the programme, Biren called Prime Minister Narendra Modi a “living legend” and congratulated him on achieving 100-crore dose vaccination against COVID-19 in a short period of time.
The programme was attended by CAFPD Minister Th Satyabrata; MSPDCL chairman L Sushindro; Manipur Labour and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board chairman H Dingo; advisor to CM (Health) Dr Sapam Ranjan; Kshetrigao AC MLA N Indrajit; Wangkhei AC MLA Y Erabot; additional chief secretary (Health and Family Welfare) V Vumlunmang; and director (Health) Dr K Rajo among others.
