COVID-19: Arunachal screens 97K passengers ahead of Janta Curfew

Itanagar: A day before the ‘Janta Curfew’ was announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fight against COVID-19, Arunachal Pradesh screened 97,160 passengers at various check gates, helipads, railway stations and at the airport in Pasighat, East Siang district on Saturday, says a statement prepared by Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under Directorate of Health Services, government of Arunachal Pradesh.

The statement also said that only one sample has been tested from Arunachal Pradesh and none are in isolation health facilities till filling of this report.

Following the list of passengers arriving from COVID-19 affected countries provided by government of India, Arunachal’s health department has screened 13 individuals who are now in home quarantine and 2 persons are still being tracked said the communiqué.

State’s health department has also prepared an advisory for the students returning from other states wherein all asymptomatic students returning to Arunachal Pradesh due to closure of their

Colleges and other institutions are advised to practice social distancing by home quarantine for 14-days. If they develop any symptoms that include fever, cough and breathing difficulties, students have been asked to immediately contact the 24×7 control room or the nearest health centre.

To prevent the outbreak of the of novel coronavirus in the state, chief minister Pema Khandu on Saturday held a video conference with all the deputy commissioners, superintendent of police and district medical officers on Saturday.

Chief minister in his address to the district heads spoke on the need for all districts to be equipped with necessary items and equipments for prevention of spread of coronavirus. He assured to meet the demand of the districts for procurement of these items and also urged the DCs to involve SHGs and institutes in preparation of sanitizers and protective masks.

Further on preventive measures, chief minister emphasized on rapid information dissemination and requested all DIPROs to be fully involved in it. He also emphasized wherever necessary, to use local dialects and involve all medium of transmission ie radio, TVs, social media etc.

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On quarantine and isolation facilities identified across the states, Khandu said these isolation wards are yet to be fully equipped with all facilities and therefore assured to place immediate funds. Chief Minister also directed the concerned authority to monitor the travel history of govt staffs on leave and make them to follow disinfection procedure as soon they enter the state.

To prevent any panic buying and hoarding of essential items, Khandu urged the district authorities to keep public in confidence and spread words on not to panic. He also requested food and civil supply department in ensuring availability of all essential items and to keep stock of these items that could last for several months.

The chief minister directed the DCs to fully involve community apex body in fight against coronavirus. He asked them to involve them in preventing any social, religious, or cultural gatherings. He also directed that no district heads to leave their respective place of postings during such challenging time.

Since Arunachal has no reported case of corona virus and in anticipation that it could only come through those entering the state, chief minister directed strict screening process of all the travelers and to keep record of their travel history and to maintain record of all such travelers. He also directed for proper coordination between connecting districts to monitor the status of all Arunachalis entering the state. He also directed that no tourists or visitors from outside the state be allowed even if they are in possession of ILPs.

The chief minister also directed that regular disinfection works be carried out in all hospitals and requested the DCs and DMOs to monitor. He also requested for regular disinfection of public places like hotels, restaurants and places of worships.