Masks must in all government offices, public places, December 31 fests

NAGPUR: The collector has issued a circular on December 25 making masks mandatory for staffers as well as visitors at all government offices from Monday. The collector has also directed all leading hospitals to be ready with Covid-19 protocol, and said he will review the situation on Tuesday. Covid appropriate behaviour has also been made mandatory at all New Year celebrations.
District collector Vipin Itankar conducted a high-level review meeting on December 25 with senior officials of district administration, divisional and rural health departments, as well as deans of three government medical colleges in Nagpur. Representatives of private and charity hospitals also attended.
“Using masks is the best way to prevent Covid-19 infections. It will be mandatory for all to wear masks at government officers as protective measure,” said the collector.
He also announced that a mock drill of Covid preparedness will be held on Tuesday. “As per the directives of ministry of health and family welfare, a ‘mock drill’ will be organized on December 27 in all government and private hospitals to review pandemic preparedness in the district,” he said. Availability of beds, medicines, Covid screening, ambulance, oxygen, ventilators, telemedicine services, and manpower etc will be reviewed.
Police have also been asked to wear masks. Commissioner of police Amitesh Kumar has issued instructions to all police stations in city to ensure that cops attend duties wearing masks. Cops will also keep extra masks with them at the police stations and ensure that every visitor at the police station is provided mask before entry. Vitamin C and multivitamin tablets too would be distributed among cops soon.
The health department has appealed to people to get tested in case they have any symptoms. “Those having standard symptoms like fever, cough and cold should get tested free of cost at any of the 39 testing centres in city. Even before that, it’s better to isolate yourself if you have any symptoms,” said Dr Deepak Selokar, district health officer. He also appealed to people to complete their vaccination.
Itankar also appealed to people not to believe any WhatsApp forwards and only follow official instructions issued by the government. “There is nothing to panic as of now. We are taking every possible precaution and keeping ourselves ready for any situation. Covid appropriate behaviour is expected from all during New Year celebrations,” he said.
BOX
Masks are back, but don’t panic
Wearing masks, washing hands, keeping distance are general precautions
Review of hospital beds, oxygen, medicines stock to ensure safety
More tests, vaccination, prevention is strategy to maintain immunity
No one will be penalized for not using mask; govt wants people to cooperate
Vaccine provides long-term protection; so people must complete doses
No restrictions on public gatherings, New Year parties as of now