Chandigarh, May 28 (H.S.): After the recent rise in Corona cases in Punjab, the health department has heightened alertness, optimizing hospital arrangements and increasing testing. On Wednesday, a man from Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, succumbed to the virus in Chandigarh, marking Punjab's first death during the third wave of Corona.

Rajkumar, 40, had recently traveled to Ludhiana and was hospitalized with worsening symptoms including fever and difficulty breathing, eventually being referred to the Sector 32 Medical College. Health officials confirmed his death was due to Corona. Health Minister Balbir Singh reassured the public, stating there was no need to panic and that all cases would be monitored with sufficient resources allocated to hospitals. He urged vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions, to exercise caution, avoid crowds, wear masks, wash hands regularly, and refrain from touching their faces.

Amid the Corona threat, the Election Commission has issued guidelines for the upcoming by-election in the Ludhiana West assembly constituency, allowing suspected or affected individuals to vote by postal ballot after verification. The voting date is set for June 19, with results to be counted on June 23.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar