the goan I network
PANAJI
Indian Medical Association-Goa has expressed concern about the entry of essential service transport drivers into Goa on the backdrop of the goods carrier driver who tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday at Ponda.
The driver had entered Goa one day before and began to display symptoms of the disease a few hours later. He self-reported and tested positive within 48 hours of entering the state. To prevent the recurrence of such an instance in the future, the body has suggested that the nasopharyngeal swab of these drivers and accompanying people ought to be collected at the border check posts
irrespective of symptoms of Covid-19.
Sharing one of the observations of the organisation, President of IMA-Goa Dr S Samuel said, “It is disturbing that the truck driver had to become symptomatic before he could be detected as Covid-19 positive and this is most dangerous for the society as he may have come to Goa at least 24 to 48 hrs prior and no authorities have control on his movements.”
IMA-Goa State has suggested that all essential service transport drivers and accompanying men should be tested by nasopharyngeal swab at the respective borders irrespective of any upper respiratory symptoms or fever. After allowing them entry into the state, they should be asked to restrict their movement within the state till their swab test results are declared.
“Once the report is out and if by chance he is reported positive authorities could trace him easily and limit the spread by immediate tracking and containment as per protocol. We know that as per the guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs, drivers and accompanying staff of essential supplies transport should not be tested, which was meant to ensure a smooth flow of essential supplies. But through our method, though the transport of goods will not be slowed, we will also keep our state safe by fast containment,” Dr Samuel stated.
The IMA Goa has stated that in case testing facilities are inadequate, pooling of swabs of quarantine people and performing RT-PCR test would help in increasing number of tests done (as per guidelines of ICMR).
