Apply past learning; prepare to tackle future challenge of possible 3rd wave, LG to officials

Srinagar, Aug 14: Asking the concerned officials to apply the learning from the past and prepare to tackle the future challenge of a possible third wave of COVID-19, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that J&K will emerge as a winner in the fight against the global pandemic with full capacity utilization of vaccination and strict adherence to guidelines.
An official on Saturday said that Mr Sinha took a detailed assessment of the District-wise COVID containment measures and the vaccination and other measures to effectively tackle the spread of the coronavirus during a meeting.
The Lt Governor suggested a host of measures to complement the ongoing COVID containment efforts of the J&K Government. “With full capacity utilization of the vaccination; raising IEC and enforcement level; strict compliance of COVID Appropriate Behaviour; increasing surveillance activities; scaling up of Testing and Contact Tracing, J&K will emerge as a winner in the fight against the global pandemic,” the Lt Governor said.
“In the previous meeting, I have said that the next 100 days are crucial. We need to continuously monitor the evolving situation and implement new strategies, besides expanding our outreach and deploying sufficient workforce to overcome any health exigency,” he added.
Emphasizing on giving dedicated focus to cover the maximum population, the Lt Governor passed specific directions for putting extra efforts and taking innovative measures for achieving 100 per cent inoculation of first dose under 18-44 age group.
Mr Sinha directed the health department to ensure uploading of the COVID testing data, besides mobilizing joint teams for strict enforcement of containment measures.
He further asked the Civil and Police administration to maintain close coordination to ensure on-ground implementation of Covid control measures and adherence to the covid protocols.
Congratulating the districts for achieving 100 per cent vaccination amongst the targeted population, the Lt Governor observed that the UT government is ensuring equitable allocation, distribution, and administration of vaccine. DCs and Health officials were directed to increase the average rate of per day vaccination in order to achieve the set targets.
Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department gave a detailed briefing on district-wise analysis of Covid situation.
He informed the chair that Srinagar has achieved 98 per cent vaccination coverage of 1st dose in 45 and above age group, while Doda, Reasi, and Udhampur have achieved 97 per cent, 96 per cent, and 97 per cent coverage respectively. “All 20 Districts are in the green zone as per benchmarks set for assessing Covid-19 situation,” he added.