Zonal, sector officers entrusted responsibilities to combat spread of COVID-19 in Hailakandi

March 28: In view of the Coronavirus pandemic, the district administration has appointed zonal and sector officers to look after the arrangements at the quarantine centres under their respective jurisdiction. An order was issued to this effect by Deputy Commissioner, Keerthi Jalli on Saturday. Six zonal and 28 sector officers have been entrusted with the responsibility in reducing mass gatherings, maintain social distancing and isolation measures to combat the spread of the deadly novel Coronavirus COVID-19.

These officers will also keep close watch over the religious places so that there is no congregation at all in view of standing order of the Central and State Governments prohibiting assembling of more than three persons. The order directed the officials to bring to the notice of the administration any violation of the lockdown guidelines. Any violation shall be deemed to be an offence punishable under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions, the order stated.

Meanwhile, the number of persons home quarantined has risen to 1,310 with 75 quarantined on Saturday. 117 surveillance teams have been pressed into service. Task force headed by BDOs are visiting home quarantined persons to check on them if they are complying with the instructions of the health authorities on dos and don’ts on Coronavirus. Regular follow up visits being taken up by health team consisting of doctors pharmacists, CHO, ANMs, MPWs, SWs and ASHAs. Night patrolling is being intensified in and around border areas to ensure no outsider sneaks into.

All road routes have been sealed and barricaded. Assistant Commissioner, Parikshit Phukan along with police personnel was on night patrolling duty. Disinfection of Panchgram fish market was undertaken with help of volunteers. Brick kilns have been closed down across the district. The administration acted promptly on receiving complaints that some brick kilns were working and closed them down immediately. The administration also issued an order on Saturday to the brick kiln owners to provide ration and shelter to the labourers and ensure their safety. It warned of legal action if the owners violated the order. The order is also applicable to all the commercial and industrial units.

As a goodwill gesture, Sanjib Kumar Deb, a teacher of Monacherra High School donated Rs.5001 to the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund. Rakhtimava Dey, an employee of Tehsil Branch, Hailakandi, DC Office also contributed an amount of Rs.5000 to the relief fund on Saturday.