In response to an appeal by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Saturday, the Chhattisgarh government has decided to set up quarantine centres in the villages to stem the spread of a resurgent Covid-19. Chhattisgarh is reeling under a strong Covid wave. In the past three days, more than 10,000 fresh positive cases were reported in 24 hours.

On Friday, 11,447 cases were registered and 63 Covid patients lost their lives. So far 4,654 patients have died in Chhattisgarh.

The Panchayat and Rural Development Department on Saturday issued directives to set up quarantine centres in villages, a press release said.

Outsiders coming to the village will have to stay in the centres like last year. 

These centres will be outside the village Panchayat. The Panchayat and Rural Development department will ensure that the are quickly set up and operated as per the directives of the Health Department.

For monitoring the quarantine centres, self-help groups, youth committees, Ramayan Bhajan Mandalis, committees formed to monitor the Covid situation or other local panels can be roped in.    For woman Covid patients, separate bathrooms will be created by using bamboo, sacks. Sanitizer, phenol, dustbin, brooms, bucket, bed and other daily use items should be made available in these centres, the release said.  Items like masks, sanitizers, soaps and 'dona-pattal' will have to be procured from local self-help groups. 

The Gram Panchayat will ensure sanitization of buildings, roads and public places as well as disposal of trash.

People in these centres will be given dry ration so that they will be able to prepare their own food. In case if they are not able to prepare food then they will be provided meals while ensuring social distancing.

If any person in the centre has symptoms like cough or cold, they must be checked for Covid. If they are found Covid positive, they will have to be admitted in isolation or Covid care centres.