DC Kathua, MD NHM review COVID-19 containment measures at Lakhanpur

Jammu: Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Rahul Yadav along with Mission Director NHM, J&K; Choudhary Mohammed Yasin, today conducted visit to the main entry point of Union Territory of J&K Lakhanpur to take stock of the COVID-19 containment measures, especially screening and testing of inbound passengers.
The officers were accompanied by Addl. Director, NHM, J&K, Hitesh Gupta; Chief Medical Officer, State Surveillance Officer, Jammu, Nodal Officer Lakhanpur and other concerned officers.
During the visit, the officers took stock of arrangements put in place for testing of travellers coming from outside UT and other COVID control measures.
The meeting of Officers of allied departments was also convened wherein various issues were discussed. The meeting decided to increase testing counters for smooth movement of passengers; deployment of additional manpower including paramedics & supportive support and establishment of five additional DEOs under Emergency COVID Response Package through National Health Mission.
It was also decided that for proper testing of passengers including truckers stamping of the persons and necessary COVID-19 protocols need to be followed for which reorientation of the staff deployed for testing at Lakhanpur shall be conducted by Chief Medical Officer. For passengers coming by train at Kathua, directions were issued for enhancing RT-PCR testing.
Referring to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases, the concerned officers were directed to keep extra vigil on travellers coming from outside UT and they were asked not let anyone go without sampling.
The officers were further directed to take all precautionary measures and ensure RT-PCR testing of travellers coming from Punjab, Maharashtra, Gujrat and other states that witnessed surge in Covid-19 cases in recent times. The opening of additional COVID Care Centers for isolation of asymptomatic positive travelers from other States/ UTs was also explored.