29,500 Covid-19 tests to be conducted in next 10 days in Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, Oct 29: The district administration has decided to conduct 29500 tests in the next 10 days. The focus of the initiative is to cover rural areas. As per the plans 2950 tests will be conducted every day to meet the target for 10 days.

An official of the health department informed that the department has launched nine vans to visit various places to conduct rapid tests. The idea is to target those who are regular in touch with the crowd. The drive will be carried through Baharagora, Chakulia, Dhalbhumgarh, Dumaria, Ghatshila, Jugsalai, Musaboni, Patmada, Potka and urban areas.

He went on to add that the administration has decided to test everyone in the district to prevent community spread of the disease. More tests would only help the administration to prevent further spread of the disease.

�In view of the market rush during Diwali we have decided to conduct random tests at rural areas. People will be motivated to undergo tests so that the spread can be controlled. During the tests drive, we have seen that people are scared to undergo tests. They need to understand the more we conduct tests the fear of spread will get normal,� said R N Jha, Civil Surgeon, East Singhbhum.

Meanwhile, in a latest move, the administration has come up with a �selfie corner� in front of the SSP office. It has been designed in a way that visitors can take pictures and also spread messages of social distancing. The corner has been designed especially for the festive season.    

 �Though the spread of coronavirus has slowed down but the threat is not yet over. We are working on innovative ways to defeat the virus completely. For this it is important to ensure compliance of Covid-19 protocol,� said an official.

He noted that with Diwali round the corner, bursting of crackers could severely affect patients with lung diseases. Steps are being taken requesting the public not to burst fire-crackers. The administration is coming up with hoardings and banners educating people to stay away from rush.

�With the markets and malls beaming with shoppers, roads are clogged with traffic such behaviour could prompt an explosion in infections. Diwali traditionally results in a massive increase in consumer spending. It is the one time of year when even the poorest of the poor buy new clothes or items for the house. We want people to stay indoors and stay safe,� said the official.