States »EasPosted at: Apr 19 2021 7:25PM Khandu directs DCs to implement Covid-19 SoPs
Itanagar, Apr 19 (UNI) Alerting all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) on the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the state as well in the country, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday directed them to implement the SoPs notified by the state health department.
Chairing the third e-Pragati meeting through virtual conference with all DCs from Tawang, Khandu took stock of the check-gates on all entry points of the state from the respective DCs.
“Check-gates in all entry points need to be put under vigil and all entering the state will have to go through mandatory RAT test in case they do not have a valid certificate of a recent test or a certificate mentioning they have got both the doses of the Covid vaccine,’’ Khandu said.
He, however, informed that inter-district movement of people and vehicles will not be affected.
As per official records, Arunachal Pradesh has 13 entry points, all connecting Assam.
“This second wave of the virus is different from the earlier one and more dangerous. It is alarming that it has shown a trend of infecting younger people more. So strict adherence to SoPs must be ensured by all district administrations,” he said.
Appreciating the district administrations for successfully combating the first wave, Khandu sought similar cooperation from all in dealing with the new wave.
The CM reiterated that sample collection and testing need to be escalated while vaccination drive needs to be intensified.
The state government has a target of vaccinating at least 3.5 lakhs of its population. However so far only about 85000 people have been vaccinated.
He appealed to all people above 45 years of age to get vaccinated.
“We have no shortage of the vaccine. So people eligible as per the guidelines of the central government, I urge them all to get vaccinated,” he appealed.
Khandu also called upon the district administrations to ensure compulsory wearing of masks at all public places.
He informed that district administrations have been empowered to impose a penalty of Rs 500 on people who do not wear masks in public places.
Khandu also took stock of the hospitals across the state and their preparedness to tackle the situation.
Arunachal Pradesh has recorded 16,987 Covid cases so far, of which, 56 succumbed to the virus and 16,809 recovered. Active cases stood at 122.
During the meeting, the CM also expressed concern on the reported cases of ‘proxy’ teachers in government schools of the state. He directed the DCs and DDSEs to personally visit schools and check attendance of teachers.
He called on people to directly file complain with the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) if any such ‘proxy’ teacher is detected in schools in their area.
“If any such complaint is received by my office, the deputy commissioner and DDSE of that particular district will be solely held responsible,” he cautioned.
Khandu also took report of various issues like forest clearance and land acquisition for important projects in the state besides status of the Hollongi airport, Miao-Vijayanagar road, Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, e-office, installation of VSATs, construction of hospitals, launching of 27x7 ambulance service, construction and functionalisation of Ekalavya Model Schools, etc.
He also took an action-taken report of the earlier two e-Pragati meetings.
The meeting was also attended by representatives of BRO, NHIDCL and other central agencies for the first time besides the Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar and Commissioners of the state government.
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