DC Bandipora reviews Covid-19 containment measures in district

Bandipora: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad on Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the Covid-19 scenario and various mitigation measures in the district.The meeting discussed threadbare the covid containment measures and stress was laid on the strict implementation of covid protocol, extensive sampling and mass vaccination.It was given out that the district is fully prepared to deal with any kind of surge in the covid cases and people were appealed not to panic. Officers informed that as on date there are 59 active positive cases in the district out of which only one is in hospital isolation.Meeting was informed that all given SOPs are followed regarding covid positive cases, contact tracing and isolation of the patient. They said every patient is attended thrice a week from the control room and vitals are recorded.

The DC also reviewed the vaccination drive for children of 15-17 years age-group. It was given out that 26639 children of the given age group are to be vaccinated of which 15 percent of the target stands achieved in one week.Dr Owais urged the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Education Officer to coordinate and devise a joint plan to ensure the target is achieved within the set timeframe.He also stressed on extensive testing and urged the officers to ensure all SOPs are followed in letter and spirit with regard to covid mitigation efforts including Home Isolation protocols, Covid Appropriate Behavior, Contact tracing and other related issues.The DC also directed concerned officers to enhance the existing daily sampling numbers and set a revised target of 3100 tests per day including 700 RTPCR and 2400 RAT.

Dr Owais said the pandemic is not over yet and hence the need is to remain cautious till the pandemic is over.He asked all the concerned to remain alert and vigilant in order to tackle the new Covid-19 variant ‘Omicron’ and asked people to follow all Covid-19 SoPs as public health is the priority of the administration.He directed the officers for strengthening surveillance, enhanced testing, monitoring of hot spots, and prompt dispatch of samples for genome sequencing and other actions.The meeting was attended by SDM Sumbal, SDM Gurez, Tehsildar Bandipora, Chief Medical Officer Bandipora, Chief Education Officer Bandipora, Nodal Officer Mehraj Wani, Nodal Officer Bilal Hassan, Medical Superintendent District Hospital Bandipora, DIO Bandipora and other senior officers of the district.