Vizag fully prepared to tackle coronavirus scare

Visakhapatnam: With the figure of those who got infected with Covid-19 touching 107 in India and 1.56 lakh world-wide, many people confine themselves to their homes as a precautionary measure.

While states such as Telangana and New Delhi have announced closure of theatres, educational institutions and recommended people to stay away from public gathering till March-end, the district health administration officials say that though discussions are going on to shut the theatres, schools along with a bunch of other facilities till this month-end, nothing has so far been communicated officially.

Speaking to The Hans India, District Surveillance Officer and coronavirus nodal officer M Pardhasaradhi admitted that so far there were no positive cases of coronavirus in the district. "However, the test results of five suspects sent recently to Tirupati are yet to be awaited," he shares. Meanwhile, the district health officials have stepped up outbreak control measures. Soon, a quarantine facility will be readied at VIMS (Visakha Institute of Medical Sciences).

"Those arriving from foreign countries would be clinically monitored while quarantining at the facility for a period of 14-28 days. Based on the report generated after a complete examination, they will be allowed to go home," said S Tirupathi Rao, District Medical and Health Officer.

Health officials exude confidence that there's no need to panic as steps are afoot to tackle any eventuality in case of an outbreak. They further added that arrangements are in place to facilitate 350 beds at the quarantine centre. In Visakhapatnam district, there are three isolation wards, including NTR Government Hospital, Anakapalle, Government Hospital for Chest and Communicable Diseases and King George Hospital.