The Punjab state government are taking new steps to remove the stigma attached to getting tested for Corona Virus. The state today is witnessing a rise in COVID-19 cases and in this tense situation there are people refusing to get tested. To ensure that the process is made easier for the common man, the government has decided to allow free of charge walk-in COVID-19 testing in all government hospitals and vans. Additionally they have also directed that the private hospitals charge but only Rs. 250 for testing. To also make sure that people who wished to be testes immediately are catered for the state has made them an option of opting for a rapid antigen test. The state seeing growing numbers is exploring many options to destigmatise the process and also hasten it in public interest. An idea for rapid antigen tests by pharmacists is being explored as reported by the State Government. This decision comes after Thursday when the Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan was seen stating that the government has undertaken to provide tests and medical kits to various doctors and hospitals, without the hassle of documentation apart from possessing an Aadhar Card. The purpose of all these steps is to ensure that more and more tests are conducted and the treatment can be given at an early stage instead of losing precious time. All the information from these tests will be uploaded on the government’s website regularly, said Mahajan. One can dial the number 104 which is a helpline service to ensure that people can get assistance and information pertaining to the availability of beds district wise and all of them were advised to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen cylinders. She in her statement spoke of the rumours and fake news surrounding the virus and noted that all the elected representatives were to reach out to people and clear out their misconceptions.       

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday announced a ₹20 lakh crore economic package amid the coronavirus pandemic. He said that the package is worth nearly 10% of India’s GDP. “Special economic package will have an emphasis on land, labor, liquidity, and laws. Beginning Wednesday, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will announce details of the special economic package,” he further said.

Here are the highlights from Modi’s address to the nation:

-Based on the suggestions by states, information related to lockdown 4 will be given to you before 18 May: PM Modi

-“Scientists say that coronavirus will be a part of our lives for a very long time. But we can’t let our lives remain confined around Corona. We will wear masks and maintain social distancing but we will not let it affect us. So lockdown 4.0 will be in a new form with new rules,” said Modi

-“Coronavirus going to be part of our lives for long time, but we can’t let our lives revolve around it only,” says Modi

-In this hour of crisis, local suppliers have met our demands; Indians have to be ‘vocal about local’ and buy products from them, says PM

-PM Modi pitches for local products: “Every Indian must be vocal for local”

-Special economic package is for our labourers, farmers, honest taxpayers, MSMEs and cottage industry, says PM

-Beginning Wednesday, finance minister will announce details of special economic package

-Special economic package will have emphasis on land, labour, liquidity and laws, says Modi

-I announce a special economic package today. Special economic relief package for the nation will amount to ₹20 lakh crore which is nearly 10% of GDP. The announcements made by the govt over Covid-19, decisions of RBI and today’s package totals to ₹20 lakh crore. This will play an important role in the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’, said PM

-“India’s self-reliance will be based on five pillars — economy, infrastructure, technology driven system, vibrant demography and demand”

-“India has resources and talent, it will make best products, improve quality and supply chain”

-“Medicines supplied by India have infused new hopes in the world which is fighting battle of life and death. With these steps, when India is being praised everywhere in the world, every Indian feels proud”

-“When India speaks of self-reliance, it does not advocate for a self-centered system. In India’s self-reliance there is a concern for the whole world’s happiness, cooperation and peace”

-India didn’t produce any PPE before COVID-19 crisis and manufactured very few N-95 masks, now we are producing 2 lakh of each of them, says Modi

-Making India self-reliant is only way to make 21st century belong to India, says PM Modi

-“Today when the entire world is in crisis, we will have to further firm up our resolve”

-“More than 2.75 lakh people have lost their lives due to the virus. In India too many families have lost their dear ones, I express my condolences to them”

-“We had never seen or heard about such a crisis ever before. This is definitely unimaginable for mankind. This was unprecedented. But humanity will not accept defeat from this virus. We have to not only protect ourselves but also move forward”

-“A virus has ravaged the world, we have never seen or heard a crisis like this”

-The world has been fighting coronavirus for 4 months now: PM Modi

-Coronavirus affected 42 lakh people globally, says Modi

–Earlier today, Modi approved ex gratia of ₹2 lakh each to the kin of the 16 migrant labourers who were run over by goods train in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad on May 8.

Zahid Abdul Majeed, a senior resident doctor at AIIMS, Delhi, took off his safety gear to help shift a critically ill COVID-19 patient to the ICU. He found it difficult to ventilate the patient and suspected accidental extubation. He immediately decided to re-intubate but owing to poor visibility inside the ambulance, he removed his protective goggles and reintubated the patient.

“I am staying alone and waiting for my tests. If that comes negative, I can join work again otherwise I may have to remain under isolation for 14 days,” Dr Majeed was quoted as saying.

Not to mention, he could not even end his Ramdaan fast and rushed to the duty when emergency came.

This act is completely a selfless act,deserves so much of respect.