Ganjam On Toes As Country Witnesses Surge In COVID-19 Cases

Berhampur: On the heels of releasing new Standard Operating Procedure to tackle possible spurt of COVID cases in Odisha, Ganjam Collector on Sunday urged people to be alert and informed about the disease by saying, "Our health is our responsibility."

Speaking exclusively to OTV, Ganjam Collector, Vijay Amruta Kulange said, "We have relaxed the COVID norms keeping in view the impact the lockdown had on our economy and developmental works. Livelihood is also important for us. But people should not get carried away and drop their guard to attract another wave of COVID infections in the district."

"Our health is our responsibility. We will have to work keeping it in mind," said Kulange.

Laying out plans to tackle the disease, Kulange said, "BDO and Executive Officers will conduct meetings at their level with the doctors in their area to identify potential COVID patients with symptoms."

"Ganjam is almost green in the COVID graph, with only one active patient till yesterday. However, we have advised villagers to inform us about any new comers or travelers with COVID symptoms," said Kulange.

Alarmed by the spike in Covid-19 cases in some states, Ganjam district administration on Saturday issued a set of standard operating procedure (SOP) for strict implementation of Covid appropriate behaviour to prevent any further surge in the positive cases in the district.

"We have seen a surge in COVID infections in Kerala, Maharashtra and Punjab who have laid out guidelines to arrest the spike. We have devised an SOP too in line with them to fight this virus," he had said.

SOP

- Adequate testing levels should be maintained as per guideline. Sub-Collectors to monitor the daily swab collection progress in close coordination with BDOs. Advance strategy formulation to be ensured on a daily basis to identify new sources of infection. 5. Active contact tracing and travel history of all COVID +ve cases to ensure by BDOs & Superintendents of CHCs.

- ASHA, AWW & ANMs are instructed for early identification and referral for testing of suspected Cases.

- Vendors and Shopkeepers in the Market places of NACs/Towns shall be adhered strict Covid appropriate behaviour. If any shopkeeper found violating Covid Appropriate will be taken strict action against them.

- A ‘Letter of Appeal’ from senior officers to be distributed to the shopkeepers and vendors in the marketplace to follow Panchasutra guidelines. An Appeal Letter will be printed from CMRF for all household.

- COVID SAFE CERTIFICATION’ of Shops in the marketplace to be ensured in all ULBs.

- Strict adherence Cat-id Appropriate Behaviour in Public & Private Transport Services to be maintained. All the Staffs as well as the public travelling must wear Mask and unnecessary overcrowded in /private transport services will not be allowed. The Enforce Team of Check points are authorised to take action against the violators.

(Edited By Pradeep Singh)