The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Dr Owais Ahmad today convened a meeting of concerned officers to review Covid-19 mitigation efforts, amid the threat of a second wave in the valley.The meeting discussed the impact of the process and precautions or measures that need to be taken to the looming threat of spread of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.Addressing the meeting, the DDC directed the officers not to lower the guard and continue to maintain the highest level of alertness to ensure implementation of SOPs to counter the spread of virus.The meeting discussed the status of Covid-19 vaccination and testing in the district. It was given out that more than 8000 samples and 4000 vaccine jabs were given during last week and that more than 17000 vaccines have been administered so far in the district.The DC reiterated that apart from executing proactive measures, mobilization of all resources and man power shall be put on ready gear to enable the administration to tackle any emergencies arising from the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic. He stressed on identification of Micro Containment Zones to avoid building of Covid clusters
Regarding the ongoing vaccination process, the DDC directed concerned Health authorities to involve services of Asha workers to facilitate the persons above 45 years to get vaccinated. He also directed officers to intensify testing in the district with special focus on Schools/Colleges/Coaching Centres/Banks/Market areas besides surveillance on contact tracing of positive cases particularly in the offices where footfall is high.Dr Owais called for raising awareness among the masses to persuade the people especially above 45 years of age to go for vaccination. He called for roping in NGOs, Religious heads, PRIs and other influencers to motivate the eligible persons for vaccination.The DDC during the meeting said that there is no scope of downsizing the ongoing precautionary measures and adherence of SOPs. He instructed that anyone violating guidelines and SOPs including wearing masks while going out or attending gatherings shall be treated with strict penalty.The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Zahoor Ahmad Mir, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Epidemiologist and Heads of educational institutions and other senior officers of the district.