In the wake of a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hitting several parts of the country, the district administration has started proactively measures to deal with such a scenario.

Though the cases have come down rapidly but as part of the preventive measures, the administration has come up with 10 new checkpoints to keep entering the city. These check posts have come up at entry points like Dobo-Kanderbera road that links to the steel city through Domuhani Bridge, Adityapur Bridge on river Kharkai to name a few. 

SDO Nitish Kumar Singh said that the district administration has come up with a strategy to deal with any extreme situation. “ We have come up with 10 fresh checkpoints. People returning to the city or those visiting will have to undergo mandatory Antigen tests. The administration has deployed its team at Tatanagar railway station and bus stands,” informed the SDO.

He said that those found without masks are taken into task. Hotels, shopping centres and market places are under scanner. “ We have to be vigilant and make meticulous plans to prevent a second wave of the disease. Action is being taken against those guilty of moving around in public places without masks,” said Singh.

Another official said the number of Covid patients in the district had reduced and mortality numbers were under control. However, considering the possibility of a second wave, more beds are being planned. The number of tests to prevent the spread of the virus is being increased.

“We have increased the level of surveillance by the district health department and taken stricter measures to check the spread of the deadly virus, the count of the COVID cases might increase,” said the official.

Meanwhile, a team from district administration conducted raids at different shops and shopping centres to act against those violating social distancing guidelines.

 During the inspection, the team checked the commuters on the streets and instructions were issued on spot directing bike riders to follow social distancing norms.

“The drive was relaunched today. Several violators were nabbed. Notices have been issued against several shopkeepers who were not wearing masks nor having sanitizers at their premises. It has been advocated that wearing masks and use of hand sanitizers are compulsory for all people who visit for shopping,” said an official.