Agra first in UP, 11th in India with 413 Covid cases

Taj city now enjoys the dubious distinction of topping the UP chart and standing at eleventh place in India. The number of Covid-19 cases here went up to 413 on Wednesday, according to the health ministry data.

The alarm bells are continuously ringing and there is little likelihood of any relaxation in lockdown conditions from May 3.

Police officials said 3125 cases had been registered and 469 people have been arrested for violating the lockdown.

So far more than 6000 samples have been taken. The death toll stands at 11. The number of hotspots has come down to 30 after the limits were extended to one kilometre from 800 metres. For faster collection of samples in hotspots, four mobile vans have been put on the job.

Meanwhile, conditions at the quarantine centres and isolation wards have improved after all round criticism and tweets by Akhilesh Yadav and Priyanka Vadra, both quoting the letter of the mayor appealing to save Agra from turning into another Wuhan.

The infection in the last fortnight has spread from milk and vegetable vendors. Two private hospitals were found guilty of callous neglect, and at least four doctors indirectly contributed to the spread of the Coronavirus.

The Agra Cantonment Board has issued identity numbers and black jerseys to all the vegetable vendors.

Senior health department officials indicated that patients found symptomatic may be asked to stay at home in strict isolation. They would be able to seek telemedicine consultations with doctors.