Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
 
Udupi, Jul 21: The district commissioner G Jagadeesha and the additional deputy commissioner conducted raids on shopping malls, hotels, clothing stores, medical shops, and jewellery shops in Udupi here on Tuesday, July 21.

According to an order passed by the Government of Karnataka, raids must be conducted in every taluk, panchayat to create awareness about social distancing and the importance of wearing masks. The commissioner instructed the municipality officials to collect fines from people who failed to wear masks in public places. The DC also levied fines on the hotel owners for not keeping sanitizers and for failing to maintain social distancing. Over Rs 28,900 in fines have been collected in the rural areas of Udupi district for violating the health norms. The highest fine collection in a day was around Rs 4,800 from the rural areas of Udupi taluk. In various municipality areas, 93 cases of violations have registered, with Rs 9,300 being collected in fine. Meanwhile, 289 cases have been registered in the rural areas of Udupi district.

Jagadeesha surveyed the area around the service bus stand, Sanskrit College Road and spoke to the hotel owners, shop owners and asked them about the precautionary measures taken during the day. 

While speaking to the media he said, "Day by day, the number of coronavirus cases are increasing. This shows that people are not following health norms. They are not maintaining social distance in public places. Most of the people are being negligent. I noticed that many celebrations, events have been conducted amidst strict order passed by the administration. People should think about their health and avoid unnecessary travel."

The commissioner said that there is a demand for KSRTC buses. "We are making all arrangements and officials are instructed to conduct route surveys to identify the routes. Buses will operate at the earliest. But if the buses are found violating the health rules, we will file a criminal complaint against them." 

The DC stated that although there are enough beds in the district, there is a shortage in ventilators, high oxygen units in Karkala and Kundapur government hospitals. Addressing the issue, he assured to meet the requirements and provide all facilities soon.

Speaking on the increase in the number of cases, the district commissioner said, "Everyone should compulsorily follow social distancing in public places. Raids would be conducted every day not only to examine the situation on the ground level but also to create awareness among the public. Lately, one of the major issues is tracing the contact details. Previously, 98% of the cases were asymptomatic, but from the past 2-3 days, SARI and ILI cases are displaying coronavirus symptoms. This calls for setting up of more hospitals to manage coronavirus patients. I have conducted meetings with 21 hospitals, which come under ABRK and have identified 1,200 beds in those hospitals. I have also instructed them to keep beds ready with oxygen, ICU and ventilator facilities. Hospitals have been strictly directed to not turn away any coronavirus patient seeking treatment."

The DC also expressed concern over the fact that the corona warriors were testing positive and that the infection was spreading to the D group individuals. He stated that several physicians of KMC Manipal were also contracting the infection.

Sensing this gravity of the situation, the KMC administration has been urged by DC to have an additional 200 beds with ventilators, high-flow oxygen and ICU facilities. "A wing with 150 beds has also been created which would be open for service from Wednesday, July 22. Two patients, who require ventilator support, have been shifted to KMC Manipal. There is no shortage of ICU, high-flow oxygen units and ventilators in the district. The ICU service is already underway in Kundapur and six patients are under treatment there. Soon the ICU beds will be made available in Karkala too," Jagadeesha said.

"Around 1,200 beds are ready in the COVID care centres and there is a need to have an additional 1,200 beds. A home isolation package through private hospitals is also being considered. We have 50 ventilators across government hospitals, however, only six of them have been used so far," he said

Regarding community transmission in the district, DC said, "I am not the right person to answer this question. The experts will have a better understanding of the same. According to the observation, coronavirus infection has been found in SARI and ILI  cases. But, that cannot be a basis for confirming community transmission in the district."

The district commissioner, assistant district commissioner, tahsildar, and other officials conducted this drive across the district on Tuesday, July 21.