Shift those who test positive to CCCs: Angara

MANGALURU: S Angara, a newly appointed minister in the Basavaraj Bommai cabinet, directed officials to take necessary measures to reduce the Covid-19 test positivity rate in Dakshina Kannada district.
He was chairing a review meeting on Covid-19 and rain relief measures at the deputy commissioner’s office here on Friday. “Achieve Covid-19 testing targets in each taluk and increase the number of tests if required. Do not stick to the target given to you, but try to surpass it. More emphasis should be given for testing and tracing contacts. Shift all those who test positive to Covid care centres compulsorily,” the minister directed.
Officials should ensure that posts of doctors, lab technicians and other required staff are filled, he said. “Taking up measures to check the spread of virus and ensuring proper treatment for the infected are the primary objectives of the government. Hence, officials should not show negligence when it comes to their duties. Salaries of lab technicians and other staff should be released on time,” Angara said.
Deputy commissioner K V Rajendra said that the district administration has received a circular to distribute Rs 1 lakh ex gratia to the kin of those who died due to Covid-19. “We have already directed tahsildars to prepare a list of eligible beneficiaries in the district,” the DC said.
Discussing the rain situation in Dakshina Kannada, the minister directed officials to fill up potholes on roads. “The Rs 10,000 rain relief announced by the government should be handed over to the families immediately,” the minister said.
The DC said that 86 houses were completely damaged due to rain in the district from April 1. Meanwhile, 490 houses were partially damaged, he said, adding that the district has not reported any crop loss.
‘Move families from seashore’
The minister directed officials to hold a discussion with MLAs to shift families residing close to the sea in the district. “Families residing in houses in coastal villages, that face a threat of sea erosion, should be shifted, and they may be provided houses under the Rajiv Gandhi Housing Scheme,” Angara said.