PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Considering the rise in Covid-19 cases, the Health department issued a special advisory on Wednesday. Health secretary R Rajesh Kumar stated that this detailed guideline has been released following the instructions of chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Health minister Dhan Singh Rawat. The advisory emphasises the need to strengthen the monitoring system across all districts, ensure necessary resources and arrangements in hospitals and effectively implement infection prevention measures.
Kumar said that the current situation regarding Covid-19 in the State is completely normal; however, it is essential to be fully prepared for any potential risks. As part of this preparedness, health facilities equipment and human resources have been kept in active mode throughout the State.
Kumar also instructed officials to ensure that oxygen supplies, medicines and equipment remain operational. He directed all district magistrates, Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) and others to ensure the availability of sufficient hospital beds. He said that directions have also been given regarding the essential supplies such as oxygen, medications, ventilators, BiPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and PSA oxygen plants, should be fully functional. All government and private health institutions and laboratories are required to upload reports to the IHIP portal daily. Testing should be conducted according to ICMR’s guidelines for Covid-19, with an emphasis on increasing the number of SARI and ILI cases and ensuring all SARI cases are tested. Moreover, all Covid-positive samples should be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to identify potential new variants in a timely manner, he said.
The Health secretary urged all citizens to avoid rumors, act responsibly and adhere to the guidelines issued by the Health Department. He also announced that the Medical Health department has designated officers at the state level for all media coordination activities related to Covid-19 and directed compliance with the issued orders at the departmental level.
Kumar stated that the Health Department plans to run a special campaign aimed at raising public awareness about Covid-19. This initiative will provide information on the ‘Do’s and Don’ts.’ Kumar stated that the “do’s” include the following: cover the nose and mouth with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing, avoid going to crowded places, and wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. On the other hand, the “don’ts” include not reusing used tissues or handkerchiefs, avoiding shaking hands and keeping distance from people who show symptoms of illness, among others.
Five new case of Covid-19 reported in Dehradun
PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
Five new cases of Covid-19 were reported in Dehradun on Wednesday. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of Dehradun, Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma, confirmed that these five new cases include four local individuals and one from Haridwar. With this new update, the total number of Covid-19 cases in the area has now reached 22, comprising 15 local cases, six cases involving migrants and one from Haridwar.
Currently, there are six active Covid-19 cases in Dehradun. One individual is receiving treatment at Primus Hospital, while the other five are being cared for at home. Dr Sharma also noted that 19 samples were tested for Covid-19 on Wednesday, bringing the overall number of samples tested so far to 168. He emphasised that there have been no reported deaths related to Covid-19 in Dehradun so far.
