‘Need to be extra cautious given the gravity of COVID-19 situation’: DC Hailakandi

July 7: In view of identification of COVID-19 positive cases in the community and that, too, without travel history, the Hailakandi district administration has appealed to the people to follow the updated directives to curb the spread of coronavirus infection. Deputy Commissioner, Megh Nidhi Dahal has urged everyone to follow all COVID-19 guidelines religiously to avoid any community transmission.

Dahal said opening up of economic activities for ensuring livelihoods of the people which they were deprived of during the lockdown phase does not necessarily mean that the situation has turned out to be normal. In this context, Dahal pointed out that the situation has become more grave than before with spike in number of cases and that too with people found afflicted with COVID-19 with no travel history. The Deputy Commissioner said the road ahead in the fight against the coronavirus was a long-drawn one and the people must back the government’s initiatives to contain the disease to the hilt.

Highlighting the importance of greater vigilance as a major chunk of the economy has opened up he said, ‘there should be no laxity or complacency in maintaining social distance, wearing masks or face cover and staying indoors as much as possible. We have to be very careful and cautious given the gravity of the situation’. The Deputy Commissioner urged those who have developed symptoms akin to COVID-19 disease or have come in contact with COVID-19 infected or suspected persons to come forward voluntarily to have their swab samples tested. He also appealed to the media persons to get their swab tested as they are vulnerable to the disease.

The administration has arranged for swab collection at the Nazrul Sadan premises everyday. The administration has made it mandatory for the officials and employees to undergo swab tests, the process of which has already begun in right earnest. Dahal urged those who gave their swab samples to remain confined at their homes till their results come out. “Do not step out of your homes till your swab results come out. This is the best way to avoid spreading of infection,” he added.

Dahal said the administration is taking all possible steps to arrest the spread of the disease vis-a-vis setting up containment, buffer zones – the district has 20 containment zones – shutting down weekly bazaars and salons, enforcing wearing of masks, taking action against violators, to name just a few. He was quick to add that these precautionary measures would bear fruits only if the people at large extend unstinted support and cooperation.

“The administration, or for that matter, the health personnel and others engaged in the fight against coronavirus cannot do so alone sans people’s support and cooperation. The initiatives taken by the government are to ensure safety and well being of the people, their loved ones and the society as a whole,” Dahal said, adding that if people follow the guidelines spontaneously without being forced to do so by way of fines or other measures then it would more good to them in the long run and make easier the uphill task of the administration to put a halt to the disease. “Stay at home and be safe and healthy. Allow us to stay focused on containing the disease in a pragmatic way,” he added.

Visibly worried over frontline corona warriors such as doctors, nurses, police and security personnel being afflicted with the disease, Dahal said the administration cannot afford the risk of losing their services at a critical juncture which will put a huge strain on the health machinery already plagued with manpower shortage.
Seeking the feedback and suggestions from people, intelligentsia and media persons in containing the disease, Dahal said, “I welcome suggestions from all sections of society as to what can be done in a better way to contain the disease.”

Dahal said testing has picked up in the district and results are coming out on time. Under the Assam Targeted Surveillance Programme, more than 1,000 tests have been conducted, besides successful completion of Phase I of Assam Community Surveillance Programme. The Deputy Commissioner revealed that plans are on the anvil to set up another COVID-19 hospital in addition to the three existing hospitals in the district.