Malkangiri: Following the detection of Covid-19 infections among some of the Bonda tribals in Bonda hills area, the district administration has stepped up vaccination and testing exercises in the sensitive regions of the tribal-dominated district.
Special medical teams are camping there to expedite the vaccination process. Testing is also being carried out in the areas inhabited by the primitive tribal group. Besides, awareness campaign is also being carried out to educate them about the severity of the coronavirus.
Malkangiri Collector Dr Yedulla Vijay visited some of the tribal hamlets in Bonda hills region on Tuesday and took stock of the Covid-19 situation prevalent among the Bonda community. He had directly interacted with the tribal people and made them aware about the precautionary measures to stay away from the contagious virus.
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“It is noteworthy to mention here that cluster TMCs has been created for isolation facility. He urged the officials to strictly monitor the situation and ensure that no further spread of the SARS-CoV-2,” the Collector tweeted.
As many as 12 primitive tribals were found positive for the virus out of which eight were from Mudulipada and rests are from Andrabahal panchayat in the district.
Apart from Malkangiri, dongria Kondhs in Kalyansingur in Rayagada district were also diagnosed with the deadly virus. Those who had tested positive for the coronavirus had been quarantined and a medical team engaged to monitor their health.
The administration has also expedited awareness drive and educating them in the proper use of masks, maintaining social distancing, isolation of the people having Covid symptoms
The Bonda ghati region had remained away from the clutches of the covid-19 during its first wave. Health workers had also distributed face-masks, sanitisers free of cost to the tribal people while teaching them about its utilization and benefits.
Dongria kondhos at Niyamgiri hill region on Kalahandi-Rayagada border and Khadia tribals from Similipal area in Mayurbhanj were also found infected with the virus.
The kondh people were reluctant to diagnosis after medical team reached the areas to speed up measures to prevent further transmission.