‘No decision taken on total lockdown but if situation worsens administration will be bound to do so’: DC Hailakandi

July 8: Deputy Commissioner, Hailakandi, Megh Nidhi Dahal, said if the COVID-19 situation deteriorates with spurt in number of cases in the community, then the administration will have to go for total lockdown. Addressing a virtual Press Meet lasting for almost 90 minutes on Wednesday, Dahal said as of now the situation does not necessitate Imposition of total lockdown but if things worsen with spike in number of cases in the community then the last option of clamping total lockdown has to be resorted to. “Swab samples of officials, employees, health workers, barbers, security personnel and others are being taken. We will have to wait for some time till the swab results are out before taking the decision,” he added.

Dahal opined that in order to contain the spread of the disease in the three districts of Barak Valley, a collective decision has to be taken in consultation with the state government. Given the gravity of the situation with identification of 13 positive cases in the community sans travel history, Dahal urged the people to be extra cautious and to follow strictly the government guidelines vis-a-vis wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and personal hygiene to arrest the spread of the highly contagious disease.

Seeking feedback from the media persons for dealing with the situation effectively, the Deputy Commissioner said he would constitute bazaar committees, local committees and also at the panchayat level to keep a tab on the situation and to enforce the government guidelines. Dahal said the administration would also close the evening bazaars as it has already done with weekly markets and barber shops to prevent gatherings.

He said that measures would be taken to curb the number of passengers travelling by autos and e-rickshaws. The Deputy Commissioner said the task of the administration would considerably lessen if people at large follow the COVID-19 dos and donts, as it is not possible to keep an eye on everyone with the police personnel ‘stressed out’. “It’s a collective effort in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and no one can do it alone”, he quipped.
Urging the media persons to report any instances of violation of government guidelines, Dahal said the administration has shut down seven shops in Hailakandi municipal areas for gross violation of guidelines. He warned that harsh measures would be taken against those defying government protocols despite repeated reminders. “Enough is enough and we will not allow anyone to put others’ lives at peril. We will act very tough,” he warned.

On the plea of journalists, the Deputy Commissioner assured that he would ask DIPRO to form Citizens’ Reporter WhatsApp Group where everyone can report of any instances of violation of government guidelines.
He revealed that 5,452 persons have arrived in the district from different parts of the country since May 13. Dahal disclosed that three COVID-19 hospitals with a bed strength of over 150 exist in the district and more will be set up if the need arose.

The Deputy Commissioner said persons afflicted with COVID-19 are being admitted in hospitals but if more cases increase, then the administration, as per the latest standing order of the state government, would have to provide treatment to such COVID-19 asymptomatic persons with no co-morbidities and other major ailments at home by declaring the nearby areas as containment, buffer zone. At the end, DIPRO, Sabir Nishat thanked the media persons for their invaluable suggestions and feedback to contain the spread of coronavirus.