BARAMULLA: In order to have first hand appraisal of the implementation of COVID-19 related SOPs and guidelines, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr G N Itoo Thursday inspected several locations in the district.
On the occasion, DC took review of requisite advisories especially using face masks and maintaining social distancing wherein he directed the concerned agencies to ensure that all the advisories are implemented at ground level in letter and spirit.
Dr Itoo said that adequate arrangements have been made for smooth celebration of Eid adding that there is nothing to worry about.
He said that only shops and establishments dealing with essential commodities shall remain open from tomorrow as the next phase of restrictions shall be imposed from 31st of July.
The DC appealed to people to adhere to COVID-19 related SOPs while celebrating Eid and added that adopting such measures are necessary for safeguarding human lives from the infection.
He said that special magistrates and mobile teams have been deployed to monitor the implementation of requisite guidelines.
Meanwhile, District Development commissioner (DDC) Budgam, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza today stressed on strict compliance of new guidelines prescribed under new SOPs.
The DDC said this while chairing a meeting convened in order to discuss the fresh SOPs, guidelines relating to revision of protocol with regard to management of Covid-19 positive patients.
The new SOPs have been issued with regard to isolation, discharge and home quarantine of confirmed COVID-19 cases and as per new guidelines all asymptomatic contacts of Covid-19 cases will be allowed home quarantine.
While any asymptomatic person in contact with Covid-19 positive patients will be tested on the 6th day of the contact, if the test of the contact returns positive, then the defined protocol for covid-19 shall be followed in letter and spirit.
The CMO Budgam, Dr. Tajamul presented a detailed report of new SOPs, guidelines and other parameters to be followed through PowerPoint presentation.
The DDC said that under new SOPs the concerned teams shall first decide whether a person is eligible for home quarantine, ensure that the concerned patient shall have all suitable arrangements available at his home including separate washroom, bedroom and that the caregiver of the concerned patient has all the facility available to look after such kind of patient.
During the meeting the DDC directed CMO Budgam to formulate a comprehensive structural plan to ensure that number of Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) shall be enhanced from one to two for each 10 medical blocks, in addition aggressive testing of symptomatic patients is done so that timely tracing of any affected person can be made possible.
He directed the CMO that all concerned medical staff involved in Covid-19 care duty be provided with sufficient quantities of Pulse Oximeters, thermometers and other allied equipment.
In order to ensure complete adherence of containment measures, the DC authorized the concerned to invoke all legal procedures in case of any laxity on part of affected, directing them to instantly impose penalty up to Rs.2000.’
The meeting was attended by all SDMs, concerned Nodal Officers and other paramedical staff.

KR Desk