Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Mar 22: The second wave of Covid-19 has already gripped many states in India and considering this, deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra on Monday, March 22 stressed that people should strictly adhere to Covid-19 guidelines to contain the spread of infections.
Addressing a press meet at the DC office here Dr Rajendra said, "Today the district administration conducted a surprise raid at a few shops and malls in the city. The administration observed that 70 to 80 per cent of people were not using masks or following Covid guidelines. Therefore, the administration, to prevent the spread of the second wave of the coronavirus, will hold an awareness drive in the entire district from tomorrow 10 am to 11 am."
The drive will emphasize the need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and create awareness of Covid-19 health norms.
Dr Rajendra also urged that citizens above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with comorbidities should come forward to take the Covid-19 vaccine.
"In the coming days, if the conductors or drivers are found having passengers without masks, the owner of the bus will be fined. Even, auto drivers found driving without a mask will be penalised. I have also asked RTO officials to cancel their permits and license of such vehicles," DC said.
"If the malls and shops failed to adhere to guidelines, their trade license will be temporarily cancelled. The organisers of any event should ask the people gathered to wear masks and adhere to Covid-19 guidelines," he added.
DC stressed that people need to avoid gatherings, ceremonies, functions, parties, and any sort of crowds. He further said that he will write to the endowment commissioner urging restriction of religious programmes for the next two months. Dr Rajendra said that to contain the spread of the virus, the cooperation of people is very important. "The elderly and children should avoid unnecessarily coming out of the house," he stated.
"I will hold a virtual meeting with Indian Medical Association, Private medical institutions and Karanataka Private Medical Establishments for the violation of covid-19 guidelines. DC also said that discussion will be made on cancellation of license, in case of the violation of the covid-19 guidelines in medical institutions and colleges found. The institutions will be shut if the norms are violated. If the patients come with symptoms of influenza the concerned medical institutions should hold covid-19 tests.
"I have written to the government seeking permission to rope the 23 SDRF personnel in containing the spread of covid-19, DC said.
He also said that the administration is implementing mandatory submission of RT-PCR negative reports in the district border connecting Kerala. Technicians and police have been deployed along the border. In the future, efforts will be put into effective implementation.
During the surprise visit, violations of guidelines were found in three shops and malls. The administration issued a strict warning and stated that there is a provision to book violators under Epidemic Act and the Natural Disaster Management Act.
CEO Kumar, additional DC Roopa, DHO Ramachandra Byari were present.