UDUPI: The district health authorities on Tuesday have tested 36 people who have returned to
Udupi from the United Kingdom for Covid-19. All the reports have turned up negative, G Jagadeesha, deputy commissioner said.
However, as a precautionary measure, the district administration has decided to keep these 36 international passengers under quarantine for next 14 days and will continuously monitor their health, the DC said.
The health authorities are in touch with these passengers and if any symptoms are seen in them, they will be tested for Covid-19 once again for reconfirmation of the possible strain of the virus, Jagadeesha said. Noting that there is no cause for worry about the UK strain in the district thus far, DC said, however, as a precautionary measure, people will need to continue wearing masks, maintain social distancing and hygiene.
The district administration is continuing to levy fine on those who do not wear masks, the DC said. Incidentally, the various wings of the administration as on December 28 have booked 18,600 cases and collected Rs 20.18 lakh in the form of penalty. Out of the cases booked, police alone account for 10,941, followed by panchayati raj department 3,617, urban local bodies 2,738, revenue department 641 and excise department 553.
Incidentally, the district as on December 28 had 66 active cases and 188 deaths reported thus far. The health authorities have tested 2.81 lakh samples out of which 2.58 lakh samples have tested negative. Out of the 23,021 who tested positive, 22,767 have been discharged thus far. DC said this continuous focus on testing and adherence to SOP mentioned by the health authorities has helped in keeping the pandemic in the district largely under control.