Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Mar 16: Deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha warned the public of the district of slapping of fine and criminal case if found not wearing a mask in public places.
Jagadeesh was speaking to the scribes on Tuesday March 16 after receiving a second dose of Covid vaccination at the Ajjarkad district hospital. He further said, "Cases of second wave of coronavirus are on the rise in the neighbouring states of Kerala and Maharashtra. If we do not take extra precaution, we will be in the danger zone.
"We have had very cordial relations with Maharashtra and Kerala since ages. The number of people arriving into the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi from these states is on the rise.
"Already Covid testing is being done at border areas before entering the district. If there is no negative report, no one can enter the district border. Covid was hovering around 0.5% since January. Now it has gone up to 1.5 to 1.6 percent.
"Strict action will be taken on those who do not wear masks at public places. If the owner and staff of shops and malls do not follow Covid rules, then their trade licence will be cancelled in addition to slapping a fine.
“Most of the frontline corona warriors have not taken the second dosage. I would like to request them to take the second dose particularly those who have not taken the second dosage even after 28 days. Please take it as early as possible. If not, there is no use of taking the vaccine.
“Udupi stands second in vaccination for frontline corona warriors and sixth place in senior citizens in the state. Vaccine shots are not at all risky when compared to coronavirus. Protection of senior citizens is everyone’s responsibility. I urge the general public to bring senior citizens to hospital for vaccination. As many as 17,000 senior citizens have taken the shot. There are 1,51,000 senior citizens in Udupi. While observing the recent phenomena, they are being vaccinated in large numbers. If it continues the same way, we will reach our target easily,” he said.
District health officer Dr Sudhirchandra Sooda said, “The health department is mainly focusing on people aged 60 years and comorbidity patients. We are getting good response from the senior citizens in taking the vaccine. We have reached good numbers in a short period of time. I feel people are coming out from the fear of vaccination. Most of the positive cases are reported among migrants. Please follow Covid protocols strictly, only then we can save ourself from the second wave of Covid-19. We have not found any repeat case till now. While observing the recent circumstances, those who came from Maharashtra and Kerala and their primary contacts have tested positive for Covid. Public should cooperate with us in controlling the pandemic.”
Additional deputy commissioner Sadashiv Prabhu also took the second vaccination on Tuesday.