UDUPI
“The public should not panic about Covid-19. By taking necessary preventive measures, it is possible to stay away from it. Everyone should be cautious about this,” said Deputy Commissioner K Vidya Kumari. She was speaking while presiding over a meeting of various coordination committees of the health department. It may be recalled that a 65-year-old cancer patient from Belle village in Kaup taluk in the district passed away at a private hospital in Manipal. He was confirmed to be Covid-19 positive. The DC said Covid-19 cases are being reported across the state, and some cases have also been found in the district. The public must strictly adhere to the safety measures prescribed by the govt. Elderly individuals, children, and pregnant women should take all necessary precautions against Covid-19 infection. “If symptoms like fever, cough, cold, or breathing difficulties appear, a test should be conducted at the nearest health centre. If infected, one should seek appropriate treatment and ensure it does not spread to others,” she said.
Pre-monsoon rains have been widespread, and the monsoon has already started in district. If rainwater accumulates anywhere, it can lead to an increase in mosquito breeding, raising the chances of spreading infectious diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. The public should be made aware of health education to prevent these, and local bodies and village panchayats should act to prevent the spread of diseases, the DC said.
“The district conducted 7,650 water quality tests this year, and 983 were found contaminated. Of these, 908 open wells were chlorinated. Water from wells not chlorinated should be filtered and boiled before use. At the onset of rains, well water might get contaminated. Rainwater harvesting can help control this, and emphasis should be placed on it,” the DC insisted.