Nilgiris: Special teams, meticulous follow up and strict implementation of SOPs will help us to contain COVID spread - Nilgiris Collector, Innocent Divya
Nilgiris:For the first time after the relaxations announced by the government, the Nilgiris has witnessed a decline in number of COVID cases. As cases surged past the 30,000 mark in the neighbouring Coimbatore district, the District Collector of the Nilgiris has come out with a handful of preventive measures to combat the spread in the district.
Speaking to SimoliCity, District Collector of the Nilgiris, J Innocent Divya said, "Special teams have been formed to monitor implementation of preventive measures. We are continously educating the people in the district, on the need to adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) to help us combat the spread of the Coronavirus."
She added that social distancing, wearing masks, frequent disinfection and avoiding mass gatherings were reiteratedto the public. People were stressed to follow basic hygiene and meticulously follow all the preventive measures, on a daily basis.
With Covid positive cases in the Nilgiris on a surge last week, strict implementation and monitoring of SOP’s, in the district has helped to contain the cases, the Collector noted.
When questioned whether workers in the plantation field are more vulnerable for the infection, Collector Innocent Divya said, “Earlier, we witnessed surge in cases, amid estate workers. Observing the trend, we feared of a possible cluster. However, prompt implementation ofpreventive measures and coordinated efforts of health department officials helped us get through the storm."
"Notably , the district also gradually increased the testing rate to 2000 every day, while previously only less than 1400 tests were carried. Most importantly, all tourist spots in the District were under strict surveillance", the Collector added.
Presently, the district recorded an average of 60-75 cases per day and the overall tally stood at 4,318.