Lakhimpur district administration adopts protective measures against COVID-19

A CORRESPONDENT

LAKHIMPUR: The Lakhimpur district administration has adapted all effective precautionary and protective measures in order to combat the possible outbreak of the novel Coronavirus in the district. In this regard, the district administration has ordered the district health society to conduct massive awareness programmes among the masses to maintain all kinds of hygienic and safety measures to get rid of the highly infectious and fatal disease.

This was declared by Deputy Commissioner of Lakhimpur, Dr, Jeevan B on Thursday while addressing a press meet on Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) convened by District Health Society at the conference hall of his office. The press meet was organized in order to sensitize awareness and brief about counter measures taken for possible coronavirus outbreak prevention in the district.

Addressing the mediapersons, the DC said that the best strategy for tackling the disease was prevention, due awareness, self-isolation and self-reporting. “People should not panic over any symptoms of the disease. Coronavirus is the first pandemic which can be controlled by following the available instructions issued recently by World Health Organization (WHO),” he added, highlighting the recent scenario of the disease.

District Surveillance Officer, IDSP, Dr. Shilpi Saikia briefed about the guidelines for prevention of coronavirus issued by the health departments of India and the State of Assam as per the instructions served by WHO. The press meet was also attended by Development Deputy Commissioner Manoj Kumar Baruah, SDMO-cum-Joint Director in-charge Dr. Hemanta Kumar Dutta and District TB and AIDS Control Officer Dr Jagadish Goswami along with the officials of the District Health Services.

The District Surveillance Officer advised people to avoid close contact with people who are sick, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands, to wash hands with water and soap and to visit the civil hospital or nearest primary health centre if they develop any signs or symptoms or in case they want to report any suspected case of coronavirus. As basic protective measures against the new coronavirus, people are also advised to stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak available on the WHO website and through national and local public health authority. They are advised to clean hands regularly and thoroughly, to maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between oneself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing, to avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, to practice respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose with bent elbow or tissue while coughing or sneezing, to stay at home if one feels unwell having a fever, cough and difficulty in breathing, to seek medical attention in such cases, to stay informed and to follow advice given by healthcare providers, to avoid foreign trips and to maintain food safety.

A control room has been established under the office of the Joint Director, District Health Services with SDMO &HO (HQ) Dr. Hemanta Kumar Dutta as in-charge for Novel Coronavirus surveillance. A total of six officials are deputed for the 24-hour control room duty while seven PRT members-cum-medical officers are ready to tackle any outbreak of Coronavirus at any time.

On the other hand, all kinds of precautionary and screening measures have been adapted to monitor the foreign tourists as well as the native people coming back from abroad. In this regard, highlighting the scenario of Lakhimpur, the District Surveillance Officer stated, “A total of eight passengers coming from foreign countries are home quarantined till March 11. Out of eight passengers, five passengers have already completed their 28 days of observation period while three passengers are still under observation and signed copy of self-reporting format is being taken from all passengers under home isolation.” Further, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Jeevan B appealed to all people to remain vigilant for any situation even if there was no risk in Lakhimpur district so far.

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