ICMR conducts sero survey in Shahkot block

Tribune News Service

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Jalandhar, June 22

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted sero survey at Nimazipur village in Shahkot block of Jalandhar, in which blood samples of 40 villagers were taken. The survey is being done to find out the population that contracted the virus and developed antibodies. The villagers whose samples were taken also included children from 5-18 years of age.

Samples of four kids in the 6-9 age group were taken and eight samples of 10-17 age group were also taken.

Also, after six months the block did not report even a single Covid case. Block Extension Educator Chandan Mishra said since February till May end, 15-20 cases were being reported from the block on an everyday basis, but now the situation has improved. There are 63 active cases in the block at present.

Dr AS Duggal, Senior Medical Officer (SMO), said the cases had definitely declined. “Earlier, cases were detected during rapid antigen tests, but now the cases are less,” he said, adding that one positive change he has witnessed is that people are now coming forward to get themselves vaccinated and there is no more fear and scare among them. “If we look at the trend in starting, there were several apprehensions, which are now going away with time,” he said.

Regarding the third wave, he said people shouldn’t become careless again now after the cases have fallen down. “The main problem is the lackadaisical attitude of the people because of which the second wave had arrived and if they don’t take precautions, third wave will be problematic too,” the SMO said.