Jamshedpur, Oct 21: Anticipating heavy rush in view of Diwali and Chhath, the administration has started taking steps to expedite testing to ensure the prevention of further spread of the virus.
“Last year too, the cases resurfaced after the festive season. We need to be careful to ensure that the third wave is avoided. We need to be careful in the coming days because of Diwali and Chhath. We should continue to avoid crowding, wear masks and follow social distancing. This will reduce the chances of spread of the virus,” said an official of the health department.
At present, Ranchi and East Singhbhum are two districts that had most of the active cases. According to experts, people from across the state and even outside visit Ranchi and Jamshedpur in large numbers, making these two cities vulnerable to Covid-19 infection.
As part of its strategy to combat the threat of further spread of coronavirus, the district administration has also stepped up checking of those entering the city. In view of the importance of the Dobo-Kanderbera road linking to the steel city through Domuhani Bridge, vehicular movement through that stretch has increased considerably.
“The trend of the virus is on the decline but we need to be careful during the festive season. Any kind of environmental pollution could be hazardous for Covid patients who have residual symptoms along with breathing difficulties. With Diwali round the corner, bursting of crackers will add more suspended particulate matter to the atmosphere and could severely affect patients with lung diseases,” said an official.
The official said that they are spreading awareness requesting the public not to burst fire-crackers. The administration is well aware of the fact that the alarming level of air pollution, common during Diwali, may cause difficulties for Covid patients who are on oxygen therapy as well as those who have recovered from post-Covid complications.
” We are keeping an eye on crowding during the festive season. The slight decline in daily cases in the last few days should not be taken as the end of the virus. Forget about a third wave, the first wave would not be over till Diwali,” he said.