Bhatkal: Deputy Commissioner Harish Kumar through video conferencing has directed the Taluka Administration, Tahsildar and health officials to take all measures to prevent coronavirus in the Taluk.
Speaking to reporters after a video conference with the Deputy Commissioner on Wednesday, Tahsildar V P Katroli said that a 9-bed isolation ward had been opened in Bhatkal taluka Hospital. “Separate wards arranged in Hospital for treating virus-infected persons.
He also advised people to take precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the virus.
“Wash your hands often with soap and water or an sanitiser. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay at home when you are sick, and cover your mouth when you cough or use a tissue while sneezing. Throw the used tissue in the dustbin. Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently,” Tahsildar said.
Taluka Health Officer Murthy Raj, speaking to presspersons, has appealed to the public not to panic on novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov) and the taluka administration is all set to treat any patient found suffering from it. A surveillance team is at constant vigilance in the district.
Dr. Murthy said, "We are only getting reports of virus from China, UAE, Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Australia and Nepal. As there is a possibility that those persons who have returned from foreign countries are infected with virus. Till date, no person with the symptoms were found in the taluk,” he said.
Dedicated ward at hospital:
A nine-bed exclusive and dedicated ward to deal with the infection cases has been set up and trained staff have been deputed. This ward would function round the clock. There will be specific treatment for Coronavirus infection, and necessary arrangements have been made to provide supportive treatment to the infected persons and if a person affected with symptoms will send to nearby District Navy Hospital,Karwar.
Regarding the measures taken to ensure the safety of the hospital staff, Dr Murthy Raj said, special personal protection kits have also been procured for the safety of the doctors and the nurses attending to the patients. This apart, sufficient quantity of N95 masks for the use of doctors, nurses, and the infected persons too have been procured. This special mask would not allow the Coronavirus to filter.
Bhatkal Taluka Hospital Medical Superindent, Dr. Savita Kamat too was present in the press meet.