TAWANG, 19 Apr: Alerting all deputy commissioners about the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the state as well the country, Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday directed them to strictly implement the SOPs notified by the health department.
The CM said this during an e-Pragati meeting through videoconference with all the deputy commissioners of the districts. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the BRO, the NHIDCL and other central agencies, besides the chief secretary and commissioners of the state government.
The CM obtained information about the check gates at all entry points of the state from the respective deputy commissioners. He said that the check gates need to be put under vigil, and that those entering the state will have to go through mandatory RAT test if they do not have a valid certificate of a recent test or a certificate mentioning that they have got both the doses of the Covid vaccine. However, he said inter-district movement of people and vehicles will not be affected.
As per official records, Arunachal 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,” Khandu said.
Commending the district administrations for successfully combating the first wave, Khandu sought similar cooperation from all in dealing with the new wave.
Till date, Arunachal has 105 active cases with a per-day highest of 28 Covid positive cases.
Khandu reiterated that sample collection and testing need to be escalated while the 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 85,000 people have been vaccinated. The CM appealed to all the people above 45 years of age to get vaccinated.
“We have no shortage of the vaccine. So, people eligible as per the guidelines of central government, I urge them all to get vaccinated,” he said.
Khandu also asked the district administrations to ensure compulsory wearing of masks at all public places. He informed that the district administrations have been empowered to impose a penalty of Rs 500 on people who do not wear masks in public places.
“Together we successfully combated the virus last year. We can do it again. Guidelines and SOPs will be notified from time to time as per the situation, which needs to be implemented in letter and spirit by the district administrations,” he said.
The CM also took stock of the hospitals across the state and their preparedness to tackle the situation.
Meanwhile, he expressed concern over the reported cases of proxy teachers in government schools of the state. He directed the DCs and the DDSEs to personally visit schools and check the attendance of teachers. Khandu also urged the people to directly file a complaint with the chief minister’s office if proxy teachers are detected in schools of their areas.
“If any such complaint is received by my office, the deputy commissioner and the DDSE of that particular district will be solely held responsible,” he said.
The chief minister also received reports of various issues like forest clearance and land acquisition for important projects in the state, besides the status of the Hollongi airport, the Miao-Vijaynagar road, the Balipara-Charduar-Tawang road, e-office, installation of VSATs, construction of hospitals, launching of 24/7 ambulance service, construction and functionalization of Ekalavya Model Schools, etc. (CM’s PR Cell)
