Health Dept buckles up to tackle Covid-19 threat

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, March 9

The Health Department has organised a coronavirus awareness camp in the city. Entry and exit screening of airline travellers at the Bhisiana airport is being done on a regular basis by teams of the department.

On the directions of Deputy Commissioner B Srinivasan and under the supervision of Civil Surgeon Dr Amrik Singh Sandhu, the district Health Department is organising awareness camps at various academic institutions in the wake of Covid scare in the district.

The teams on Monday conducted awareness camps at Institute of Hotel Management and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University (MRSPTU) which were attended by students and faculty.

Dr Gunvirpal Singh Sidhu said, “Novel coronavirus causes complications like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Isolation wards have been established at district hospital.”

He said there was no need to panic. “People need to be vigilant and if they come across any suspected patient then they must inform the Health Department,” he said.

Regular screening of travellers is being conducted and teams have been appointed to carry out awareness camps at railway station and city bus stands to sensitise people.

What is Covid

It is identified to be a new type of Covid (Novel Coronoavirus, 2019-nCoV, now known as COVID-19). These are large family of viruses with some causing less severe disease such as common cold and others more severe diseases such as MERS and SARS.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Covid infection are severe fever, cough, shortness of breath, diarrhoea, congestion in nose and throat.

Safety measures

• Wash hands well and continually with water and soap or other hand disinfectants, especially after coughing, sneezing.
• Avoid contact with patients and use masks if you are sick or visiting sick patients.
• Avoid touching your eyes or nose as much as possible.
• Use tissue when coughing or sneezing. After that, wash your hands properly. If there is no tissue, it is preferred to cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
• Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating them.
• Maintain other healthy habits such as balanced diet, physical activity and getting enough sleep.
• Avoid direct contact with infected patients or anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Avoid shaking hands and wash hands frequently with soap and water. Hand rubs can also be used.
• Avoid taking medicine without consulting a doctor.
• Avoid touching surfaces like railings and doors/gates frequently.