Coronavirus Vaccination: So far, over eight crore people have been vaccinated against the virus (File)
New Delhi:
The centre has asked employees aged 45 and above to get vaccinated against the coronavirus to check the spurt in daily Covid figures across the country.
“All Central Government employees of the age of 45 years and above are advised to get themselves vaccinated, so as to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19,” the government said in a statement.
India, the second worst-hit country in the world, crossed over one lakh daily coronavirus cases for the first time on Monday. Today, it reported 96,982 cases and 442 deaths.
Experts say the country is facing a second wave of infections brought on by mutant Covid variants and people’s carelessness about following rules like wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
Maharashtra, the worst-hit state in the country, has been reporting close to 50,000 Covid cases every day. On Tuesday, it reported 47,288 new coronavirus cases.
The centre this month expanded the vaccination net making all those who are 45 or older eligible for inoculations.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray have both demanded that the vaccination drive be opened to more age groups.
So far, over eight crore people have been vaccinated against the virus since the drive began in mid-January.
Both Delhi and Maharashtra have announced night curfews to slow the pace of infections.
Maharashtra has announced a weekend lockdown and a tough 8 pm to 7 am curfew.
On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a discussion with the chief ministers of all states and Union territories over the coronavirus situation and vaccinations.