The Telangana High Court on the 25th of February, asked the State Government to restart releasing the everyday Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 media bulletin.
The decision of the State HC to the Government came after the recent decision of not releasing the media bulletin. Recently, on the 23rd of February, the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) Government, concerned over the two new strains of COVID-19 and anticipating a second wave, decided not to release the media bulletin.
Thursday the HC asked the government to release the COVID-19 bulletin from tomorrow, as there is anticipation of a second wave of the Coronavirus. The court also asked the government to ensure the people not to gather in public.
The official announcement of discontinuation of the media bulletin release was made by G. Srinivasa Rao, Telangana’s Public Health Director on the night of the 23rd of February. The official announcement read, “In the last few months, we have noticed no major changes in cases of COVID-19 in Telangana and have realised that instead of dedicating exclusive human resources to this effect, it might be a good idea to utilise and immerse them in the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive in Telangana. That’s the reason why we have decided to share Covid bulletins once a week, instead of daily bulletins in the hope of using the manpower towards the ongoing vaccination drive. Of course, in case of any significant development, we will ensure that our media friends are well informed (sic.)”
Disappointed with the decision, a bench of the Telangana HC asked the State Health Department to resume the release within next 24 hours.
During the hearing, the Telangana HC said, “Health director was regularly briefing the court about progress at Covid front. He knew that (the) court was monitoring the situation, yet he chose to discontinue the bulletin.”
In addition, the Court also asked the State Government to update a detailed report of vaccination drive and COVID-19 on the health portal. They also asked the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) to submit a report on all the measures and steps taken to ensure prevention of the Novel Coronavirus in Telangana.
As per the last media bulletin release, Telangana had 2,97,712 positive cases, of which 2,94,386 were recovered cases, 1,625 deceased cases and 1,701 are active cases.
Stay tuned for further updates.
