Ramban district has witnessed a sharp decline in Covid cases due to strict enforcement of Covid safety protocols and other containment measures, said the Deputy Commissioner, Mussarat Islam here at the weekly media briefing.Responding to the media queries, the DC said that the imposition of fine for violation of Covid Safety protocols and intensive testing and vaccination has paid back well.“During the 2nd surge a total 3593 positive cases were reported in the district of which 3352 have recovered and discharged,” he said adding that presently there are 203 positive cases and the district has witnessed 39 Covid deaths.The DC said that 6000 people have been vaccinated in the last three days and the target to vaccinate more than 1.43 Lakh persons in the 18-44 year age group, which forms 43% of total population of the district, will be achieved before the deadline. It was informed that the district administration is fully prepared and has geared up health functionaries in all Medical blocks including Gool, Banihal, Batote and Ukhral for achieving 100% target of vaccination.
While responding to a question, the DC informed that keeping in view the safety of employees and in the larger interest of the public all the employees have been directed to take vaccination. He further said that not a single instance of use of coercive method for vaccination or any person developing serious complications has been reported from any part of the district. The DC also exhorted upon the youth to take vaccination and encourage others for the same. He said that the Health Department is well prepared to provide the best health care to the people.He informed that all the paraphernalia is being supplied to the rural COVID Isolation centres established in all 143 Panchayats. “As many as 107 centres have also been provided with Medical Oxygen Concentrators. For the rest the Oxygen Concentrators would be supplied by Jammu Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation very soon” he said. The DC said that taking strict action against the violation of Covid safety protocols, the enforcement teams have recovered over Rs 5 Lakh fine from the violators in the current week.He said that a special drive has also been launched to implement an order regarding plying of vehicles at 50% of total seating capacity and the violators, including passengers will also be fined.He said keeping in view the apprehension of resurgence of Covid infection, the District Administration has ordered the Enforcement teams to take strict action against violators, especially at tourist spots of Patnitop, Sanasar and Dagantop etc.The DC informed that an order has been issued to CEO Ramban to start community classes with due observance of Covid safety protocol for facilitating 53000 enrolled students in different Government schools of the district. He said the District Administration will provide all necessary help in this regard. Referring to relaxation in Covid restrictions in the district, the DC urged the people to avoid going to crowded places.