Srikakulam and Vizianagaram in AP manage to stay COVID-free

Amaravati : Two districts in Andhra Pradesh, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, have not reported a single COVID-19 case so far. While 11 districts in the state have been categorised as COVID-19 hotspots by the Central government, these two districts have managed to stay COVID-free.

Talking about the containment measures taken up in the district, the Vizianagaram collector, Dr. Hari Jawaharlal, said that increased surveillance helped prevent the spread of the virus. “Information pertaining to six different aspects, like travel history, medical history, and symptomatic history, has been obtained from suspected cases. We have collected 794 samples from individuals who exhibited symptoms like cold and cough. While 318 samples have tested negative, we are awaiting the results for the others,” he said.

Similar measures have been taken up in Srikakulam district. Every person entering the district, even people from other districts of the state, is subjected to screening after which the person is asked to stay under quarantine for 14 days before being allowed to proceed towards his/her respective destination. The district has also appointed a 'COVID-officer' for every 10 suspected cases to help monitor, in real-time, the health of the citizens.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan, during a review meeting on Friday, said the government is concerned about patient care management and has sought details on the same being implemented in hospitals. “Priority is being given to the people above 40-years-old who are suffering from any disease. People with COVID-19 symptoms are directly sent to COVID-19 special hospitals,” the Chief Minister said.

State health officials said a control room with doctors has been set up to guide doctors treating Corona cases and monitor the condition of the patients. Two doctors are available at the control room round-the-clock, the officials said.