Jharkhand is all set to roll out vaccination drive among adolescents in the 15-18 age group from Monday amid sudden rise of Covid-19 patients in the state.

“The district administration organised a meeting on January 1 between the vaccination cell and principals of various city schools in connection with the proposed vaccination drive of students aged between 15 and 18 years, beginning January 3,” informed a release issued by Ranchi district public relations office on Saturday.

In Ranchi, the vaccination drive will begin at five city schools — DAV, Hehal, Marwari School, Zilla School, Gauri Dutt Mandelia School and Government Plus 2 High School, Kanke, the release added.

Ranchi district alone has around 2 lakh adolescents in that age group who will form the target group for vaccination during the campaign. “The drive will also begin in certain Dhanbad schools on Monday,” confirmed Dr Vikash Rana who is in charge of the vaccination cell in that district.

Meanwhile, in view of sudden spurt in number of new Covid-19 patients in the state, chief minister Hemant Soren had reviewed the situation on Friday and directed to enhance testing at crowded places and also strengthen the vaccination drive.

Though the state had targeted full vaccination of its estimated 2.41 crore adult population by January 15, the target appeared to be too ambitious as only 46 per cent achievement was recorded till December 30.

The authorities also restricted gatherings at many tourists spots, increased vigil and organised Covid testing camps. “Though we have restricted entry of picnickers from Bengal by conducting checks at the border, some others from within Jharkhand who have reached here are being tested for Covid-19,” said an official deputed at Maithon Dam in Dhanbad near the Bengal border.

The state recorded an abnormal hike in new Covid-19 patients when 1,007 persons, highest in past 7 months, tested positive on the New Year’s Day, with Ranchi district alone sharing 495 new cases.

Compared to just 60 new positive cases found on December 26, this abnormal rise in new cases raised apprehension if the third wave was waiting at the door.

Soren, however, directed hospitals to be ready with oxygen-equipped beds, ventilators and intensive care units for any such eventuality.

“Those admitted here at present have mild symptoms and only a few needed minimal oxygen support,” informed Dr Pradeep Bhattacharya who is charge of the trauma centre at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, adding just one Covid-19 patient with comorbidities was requiring more oxygen support.

Covid curbs likely

Jharkhand may soon impose restrictions for checking spread of Covid-19 infection in the state.

State's additional chief secretary (health) Arun Kumar Singh, in a letter to the disaster management secretary on Sunday, suggested certain restrictions for consideration of the state executive committee formed under the Disaster Management Act.

He suggested that parks, sports complexes, sweeming pools, gyms, religious places, besides schools and colleges, be closed till January 15 for putting a check on spread of Covid-19 infection.

If his suggestions are accepted, there would also be dusk to dawn curfew imposed in the state till that date while people would require to carry certificates of double dose vaccination as passes for movement.