MARGAO
For the first time since the deadly second Covid wave hit the commercial capital in a big way, the Margao municipality has finally lent its assistance to the authorities in the battle against the virus.
With the Secretary, Urban Development, circulating an office memorandum over the monitoring and assistance by the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the wake of the pandemic, MMC Chief Officer Agnelo Fernandes, who has been designated as the Incident Commandant, has put set the process in motion to ensure that the Covid positive patients not only isolate themselves at home, but take care to ensure that the home isolation kits, including oximeters and medicines, reach them at their doorsteps.
The Chief Officer had a meeting with his team comprising professors of aided colleges on Friday morning, wherein they discussed at length how to go about the work given the surging number of Covid cases in the commercial capital.
While briefing his team, the Chief Officer pointed out that the patients, who are positive and under home isolation are monitored to avoid spread of the infection. “We have to ensure that these patients remain in strict isolation and ensure their confidentiality to prevent social stigma,” he said.
They are also told to ensure that the positive patients, who are all home isolated, are provided with medicines/food or other items required by them including ambulance if the patient requires medical attention or hospitalization.
Agnelo later told The Goan that he has briefed the professors of aided colleges with a plea to give their best to control the worsening situation. “It’s a warlike situation in Margao with cases on the rise. The government has been doing its best and roped in officials of aided colleges to take care of the people under home isolation,” he said.
Agnelo added: “Please don’t keep your phones on switched off, let us contribute positively in the battle against coronavirus. Every day we will receive the data from the health department which will help us to work in a coordinated manner,” he added.
Saying that Covid cases in Margao are increasing at an alarming rate, the Chief Officer said the team will achieve a lot even if it manages to save a life of even one person battling Covid.
He said the team will also be actively involved in enforcing the orders issued by the Collector under section 144 of the Cr PC.
As per the office memorandum issued by the Secretary, Urban Development, the urban local bodies have been empowered to seek support of the local police for enforcing the Collector’s order in coordination with the Deputy Collectors.
