The Tumakuru district administration has stepped up COVID-19 precautionary measures in Pavagada taluk, which shares a border with Andhra Pradesh, following reports of two COVID-19-related deaths in Andhra Pradesh's Kadapa district.
Based on Shubha Kalyan, Tumakuru Deputy Commissioner, health authorities have intensified surveillance and screening at the border entry points to prevent infection from spreading into Karnataka.
District Administration on High Alert
The district administration has told the Health Department to keep an eye on the situation in neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, where it is the same, and the health department has to be very careful.
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to enhance their measures and be ready to respond to any new situation; a high-level review meeting was held on Tuesday, according to the statement.
Screening at Border Checkpoints
Health Department teams have begun screening people entering Karnataka from Andhra Pradesh, especially in the border areas of Rajavanthi, Nagalamadike and Kodamadugu in Pavagada taluk.
The thermal scanner-equipped officials are checking the temperature of travellers arriving from Andhra Pradesh as part of the surveillance exercise.
The screening drive is being carried out jointly by Health Department staff and ASHA workers, monitoring travellers and spreading awareness about COVID-19 precautions.
Precautionary measure, not cause for panic
And the extra surveillance is a preventive measure to try to detect potential cases early, they added. Residents should not worry but be watchful and follow basic health and hygiene rules, the administration said.
More people with symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, or breathing difficulty should seek medical attention immediately, and avoid unnecessary travel if they are unwell, it said.
Monitoring the Situation Closely
Tumakuru District Administration said they would continue monitoring the COVID-19 situation in neighbouring areas and would take further action based on the Health Department and state authorities’ advice on this situation.
Border surveillance will continue until officials are satisfied that there is no immediate risk of transmission into the district.
The administration has asked the public to cooperate with health officials during screening and follow the government’s advice.
