Maharashtra's health secretary Pradeep Vyas has informed that a little over 16 thousand people have registered their names on the CO-WIN portal as vaccine administrators while close to a lakh have registered as beneficiaries. While giving a detailed presentation on the State's preparedness to roll out the COVID vaccine, Mr Vyas informed the steering committee headed by Maharashtra's Chief Secretary Sanjay Kumar, that a cold storage chain of 3,135 centres is currently available to store and move the vaccine to its desired locations across the State.

Our Correspondent reports, stating that the vaccination process will closely follow the polling day pattern, Mr. Vyas said vaccination booths will be set up at primary healthcare clinics and private hospitals initially to administer the vaccine to healthcare workers. Later, such booths will be set up at schools, community halls and civic offices wherein frontline workers like police personnel, essential services providers, people above the age of 50 and those with comorbidities will be vaccinated.

The Secretary informed that the person to be immunised will receive a confirmation message along with a QR code on his mobile, which will be verified along with his/her identity proof at these vaccination booths.

Meanwhile, State Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad has clarified that there is no discussion whatsoever regarding the opening of schools for students of Grades 1 to 8. It may be noted that a few districts have resumed classes for students of 9th to 12th even as online education continues in many cities.