Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Jul 6: The Kasargod district administration has decided to cancel the daily passes of commuters travelling to Mangaluru in the wake of rising number of cases in the coastal Karnataka city.
The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of people's representatives at the district commissioner's office here on Monday, July 6. The meeting was presided over by E Chandrashekaran, district in-charge minister, with the agenda to discuss on how to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Decisions taken in the meeting included that people traveling to Mangaluru for work on a daily basis must remain in the city and travel to their homes once a month. Those traveling to and fro Mangaluru and Kasargod must also remain at the place of their work for 28 days in a month. The decision also included doctors and health workers.
Besides watching over the Kerala-Karnataka connecting road, it was decided to erect barricades on borders with the cooperation of local administration. The task would be done by assigning three staff members. Vehicles would be permitted only on roads decided by the gram panchayat, district administration and police personnel. Meanwhile, police personnel would be keeping a close watch on roads that are open for vehicles. If people staying at the borders of both the states would have to walk inevitably, their documents including Aadhar card would be scrutinized. The Manjeshwar block panchayat has been directed to hold discussions with the gram panchayats in the locality and arrive at a decision. The deputy commissioner Dr D Sajith Babu and DSP D Shilpa gave details of current situation.
During the meeting it was noted that people had been gathering without maintaining social distance. In this regard the police department has been directed to take strict action against such gatherings. Going about without wearing masks, not maintaining social distance, not washing hands using soap or sanitizer was reported in several places. Henceforth, legal action would be taken against such practices, it was decided in the meeting.
Further decisions taken included not more than ten people could gather for any purpose including protests. The responsibility of workers from other states is that of the contractors. They should provide them with all the required facilities. Failing to take care of their workers would result in action taken against them.
Those returning from other states and abroad should register in COVID-19 portal, failing which action would be taken.
Lorry drivers ferrying fish, vegetable from other states must be provided food only in parcels. Lorries should not be parked in Manjeshwar zone and parking of large number of lorries together is prohibited.
Bekal Fort will not be opened at least till July 31. People are not allowed to gather in groups at Ranipura and Hosadigumpe area.
Purchase of dialysis machines soon
Even though the district administration has permitted quick purchase of dialysis machines with the MP and MLA funds in various government hospitals, the Kerala medical board has delayed the purchase. Therefore, the district administration suggested that the health department permitted the purchase on local level through tender processes, minister of revenue E Chandrashekaran said.
Strict monitoring would be done so that the citizens followed the guidelines of the health department in sports and other fields.
MP Raj Mohah Unnithan, MLA M C Kamaruddin, N A Nellikunnu, K Kunhiraman, M Rajagopalan, district panchayat president A G C Basheer, gram panchayat presidents of block panchayats and in municipal council limits, additional magistrate N Devidas, medical officer Dr A V Ramadas, district survey officer Dr A T Manoj and others were present.