In view of recent rise in Covid-19 cases, the administration has started corona tests of passengers arriving at Tatanagar railway station. The District Health Department has formed three separate teams for conducting tests and maintaining a track record of those arriving at the station. The investigation campaign is headed by Additional Chief Medical Officer (ACMO) Dr. Sahir Pal.

“The East Singhbhum  district health department is carrying out the RT- PCR test while we are providing our staff for thermal screening of passengers. The thermal screening will be carried out for both incoming and outgoing passengers, “ said an official of Tatanagar railway station.

Officials of Tatanagar railway station informed that the situation is being constantly monitored and coordinated at all levels. Desks have been set up all over the railway system and the staff has been sensitized and educated about the subject.

Health workers posted at the railway station have been instructed to also screen and test most every passenger travelling from the adjoining states in order to maintain extra caution amid a spike in the COVID-19 cases.

As part of these initiatives and in view of the advisory from Railway Board, the supply of woolen blankets to AC coach passengers has been withdrawn. Pillows, Pillow covers and bed sheets will continue to be supplied.

 “ We have been asked to especially monitor passengers coming from  states like Maharashtra, Punjab Chhattisgarh , Madhya Pradesh and southern India. We will collect samples which will be sent for lab tests. Passengers will be asked to stay in home isolation till the arrival of test reports. If a passenger is found positive he or she will be admitted to a COVID hospital, “ said the official.

According to a report from the office of district civil surgeon so far  in February,  55,702 samples were tested of which 163 tested COVID positive.