Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 27: Deputy commissioner (DC) Sindhu P Rupesh said on Saturday June 27 that the current month June has witnessed a rise in the number of coronavirus cases in Dakshina Kannada district.

The DC said, “There are several reasons for the rise as over 3,500 overseas passengers have returned to Mangaluru, out of which 300 were tested positive. They are being treated while some of them are cured and sent for home quarantine.”

She said that the people arriving from other states have been sent for home and institutional quarantine. "We can also see ILI and SARI cases. As many as 576 cases have been recorded in the district out of which 150 are active. Ever since the unlock period has started, people have been taking Covid very lightly and behaving as if corona is completely eradicated which is creating problems,” she said.

The DC appealed to the public saying, "Only if necessary, one should come out of their houses, maintain social distance and wear masks. Some adhere to the guidelines but it has come to our notice that some are not following them. Those referred for home quarantine should strictly sit at home, maintain social distancing even with their family members and strictly follow the home quarantine protocols."

She said that the administration is closely monitoring those kept under home quarantine. "We are monitoring through home quarantine watch, we have even asked the neighbours to keep an eye on those who are home quarantined. We have asked for home quarantine for 14 days with an intention that they should be cured completely."

As the number of cases in the district have increased, even the containment zones have increased, with 100 containment zones in the district. It is essential that the people residing in containment zones should also strictly follow the guidelines. Those residing in the containment zones must follow the rules issued by the health department. "Avoid crowding. Stringent action will be taken against those who breach home quarantine. As of now FIR has been lodged against 54 people for breaching home quarantine. If people continue to break the rules, then we will invoke more penal clauses. Therefore, the public needs to cooperate," said the DC.