category Regional, chandigarh, , tags Regional, chandigarh, , DW BUREAU Chandigarh Haryana Urban Local Bodies Minister Dr. Kamal Gupta in view of a spurt of Covid -19 cases reported in the year 2020, various advisories and Guidelines by the Ministry of Health Family Welfare, Government of India were further circulated to all concerned from time to time and proactive measures were taken to combat the Covid pandemic situation in the State. Dr. Gupta was replying to a question raised during the budget session of Vidhan Sabha here today. He said that in view of COVID-19, the state government has issued a notification on March 11, 2020, under the Epidemic Disease Act 1897. Rapid Response Teams were constituted at the level of the state as well as districts for decision-making and effective management of COVID-19. Containment measures regarding the pandemic were taken promptly along with the strict implementation of Government orders regarding lockdown, enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behavior, testing, tracking and treating, and COVID-19 vaccination of all groups in a phased manner. Surveillance and Testing of international travelers were done as per guidelines of Government of India for active prompt tracking as testing is the mainstay for early identification of COVID-19 cases. Simultaneously, for enhancing the testing capacity, 26 Government Molecular Labs were established and MoU was also signed with 26 Private labs. Moreover, these Government Molecular labs are also being used to test other infectious agents also like: Hepatitis, H1N1 etc. after COVID pandemic. Total Labs 52 in number (Government Lab 26) (MoU with Non Govt Lab-26), he added. Dr. Gupta informed that the existing health infrastructure was strengthened by providing Covid related equipment and items like ventilators, P.S. A. Plant, Oxygen Concentrator, BiPAP, High-flow Nasal Cannula, Oxygen Cylinder, I.C.S.U. Beds, oxygen beds, isolation beds, gas pipelines, diesel generator sets, etc. (editor dailyworld.in)