Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, May 8: “People are neglecting their health these days. Symptomatic people are not getting themselves tested. People coming for ventilator facilities will not be entertained. We are not responsible for their negligence. If anyone has mild symptoms, the person should come to hospital. Do not come after the situation gets worse,” said district commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha.
He was speaking at a press meet held on Saturday May 8 at zilla panchayat meeting hall here. He further said, “There is no shortage of oxygen or ventilators in Udupi. There are 1,300 beds, out of which 350 beds are occupied.”
Speaking on the Covid protocols to be followed during the lockdown, he said, “Construction activities should be done adhering to national directives for Covid -19 management. Industry should keep the required materials in stock for 15 days. There is no opportunity for any transportation related to construction materials. Building owners should take the responsibility of construction workers. If anybody wants to go to their hometown, they have time till Monday morning before 6 am. If building owners leave their construction workers mid-way, criminal case be filed against them.
“All should follow the lockdown rules from May 10 to 24,” he said.
He further said, “Six metric tonne oxygen is available at the district hospital in Ajjarkad. Belapu liquid oxygen plant has 25 metric tonne storage capacity. Ten metric tonne of liquid oxygen will be supplied by this Sunday.
“As much as 90% of the Covid patients do not require oxygen beds and home isolation is enough. Only 100 people require beds. Out of that 20 patients require ICU beds and 20 people need oxygen facility. No need to panic about availability of beds. Most of the people think about ventilator facilities, though it is not required.
“Fishing activities are allowed, but people should not go to harbour to purchase fish. Wholesalers can sell fish to retailers. Retailers can undertake door-to-door selling.
“Inter-state and inter-district movement is strictly prohibited except during health emergency. Health officials are allowed to move from one district to another and inter-state, but ID card should be presented. There is no restriction on travelling on train and flight.
“Permission is given for movement of taxis and auto rickshaws only for health reasons,” he said.
Zilla panchayat CEO Dr Naveen Bhat Y, MLAs Raghupati Bhat and Lalaji Mendon, president of Coastal Development Authority Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, and others were present.