Tripura is steadily plunging towards a huge Covid quagmire if the experts are to be believed. The experts in the field indeed a painted a grim picture as they projected about 32, 331 persons to be affected in the third wave of the Covid in the state. They also pointed out that January and February would be extremely critical as far as Covid spread was concerned. And the immediate and urgent need of the time is to follow the Covid guidelines in strictest manner by the members of the public.
ICA Minister Sushanta Chowdhury following a high level emergent meeting of the ministers and officials at the residence of Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb said in press conference that out of total projected 32,331 cases, 3, 880 children were likely to be affected. Five per cent of the total cases that is 1,617 including 194 children are likely to be severely affected.”
He said, the months of January and February are extremely crucial in terms of the projection. As the Covid positivity rate already reached 16.95 percent in Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) areas and 11.56 percent in West Tripura (5 percent in the state), the people need to take extra precautions to stay away from the spread of coronavirus.
According to the ICA minister, the state government has already made all necessary arrangements including sufficient stock of medical essentials to meet any exigency.
He said the state government has taken some decisions followed by two separate meetings chaired by Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Sunday and Chief Secretary Kumar Alok on Saturday.
As per the decision, while the Corona Night Curfew (9 pm to 5 am) would come into effect from Monday, the state government has also planned some contractual recruitment in view of the spike in the Covid cases and safety of the people.
“The state government has decided to recruit around 500-700 doctors, nurses, lab technicians, MPWs and sweeping staff on contract basis to handle the crisis,” Chowdhury told the media.
Briefing the media about the preparations and health existing health infrastructures for Covid situation, the ICA minister said, total 22 Oxygen plants are functional and 2562 beds including 700 for serious patients are available in the state at present and if required, the number of beds would be increased.
He said, total 1729 oxygen concentrators, 2263 oxygen cylinders, 2391 pulse oximeters and 192 ventilators are in stock at present.
As the experts predicted infection among children, 216 beds have been kept ready in Agartala with ICU facilities while all districts have been asked to arrange 50 beds each with all facilities, he said, adding that Covid call centres and grievance redress cells would be set up in all districts.
“The state government has strengthened the health infrastructure in the districts so that the patients can avail medical facilities in their respective districts as well as to reduce the rush in Agartala,” Chowdhury said.
Speaking on the on-going vaccination drive for 15-18 age group, he said, “as many as 77,075 beneficiaries (36.18 percent) among the target population- 2.13 lakh have already been vaccinated with the first dose.”
Additional Secretary Anindya Bhattacharjee and State Surveillance Officer Dr. Deep Kumar Debbarma also remained present in the press conference.
