COVID Control Measures Stepped Up In Odisha’s Sundargarh

Sundargarh: In view of the prevailing COVID situation, Odisha’s Sundargarh district administration has stepped up measures to contain spread of the disease and ramped up the health care system.

Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM and PHO) Dr Saroj Kumar Mishra, in a release, said the primary focus of the COVID control measures in the district has been Testing, Tracking, Treatment (3T) and Vaccination. Moreover, steps are being taken to sensitise the people about adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).

“Since COVID infections have been on the rise in the state, the district administration is making necessary preparations to contain the spread of the virus while strengthening the healthcare facilities. At present, the rate of infection in the district has been 5-6 per cent. Therefore, people should not panic and follow CAB. They should use face masks, wash their hands frequently and maintain social distancing,” said Dr Mishra.

Stating that testing has been scaled up in the district, he said at present, 400 Rapid Antigen and 450 RTPCR testing is being carried out every day. Efforts are being made to enhance the existing capacity.

Dr Mishra said 30 beds in Sundargarh Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) and 20 in Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) have been kept ready for treatment of COVID patients. Provision of ventilator and oxygen has also been made at these facilities. Besides, the administration has asked private hospitals in Rourkela to make arrangements for treatment of COVID patients.

Special Flu Clinics have started functioning at the Sundargarh Medical College and Hospital and RGH. Those having cold or flu symptoms have been advised to visit these clinics and get themselves checked for COVID. Symptomatic and infected people have been advised to take treatment in home isolation.

The Rapid Response Team (RRT) is regularly visiting the homes of the infected people and keeping tabs on their health. An Integrated Survey has started in the district since June 21 under which ASHA workers have been keeping door-to-door health record of the residents.

During the survey, the ASHA workers are especially tracking leprosy, malaria, dengue, diarrhoea as well as COVID symptomatic people. Those having symptoms of cold and fever have been advised to undergo test, Dr Mishra said.