Coronavirus: Centre asks states to find quarantine facilities near airports

KOCHI: In the wake of more countries reporting cases of novel coronavirus, the Union health ministry has asked states to identify quarantine facilities that can house 500 to 2,000 people or more in the vicinity of 30 airports, including Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Kannur, where screening of international passengers is being carried out.
The official memorandum lists out conditions for setting up such facilities, including that it should be located on the outskirts of the city, in areas away from human habitation.
There should be access control to the facility monitored by security and CCTVs.
Such facilities should be well ventilated and have functional requirements of individual rooms or dormitory settings of accommodating five to 10 beds 1-2 metres apart with separate washroom facility.
An administrator should be identified as the nodal officer for each quarantine centre who will directly report to the district collector or NHM-MD-principal secretary. A dedicated ambulance service should be made available and referral hospitals to transfer suspect cases should be identified and networked
All staff need to be oriented on Covid-19 and on infection, prevention and control practices including use of kits, masks, gloves, etc. It says that the financial requirements to manage quarantine centres will be tied up with MD, NHM of the concerned states
While planning the facility, space for an administration unit, a clinical examination room/medical station, catering facilities, laundry services and waste management need to be considered. Human resources for all services including doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists and public-health specialists, nurses, administrative, catering and sanitary staff should be identified. A check list for setting up the centre has also been issued.