Itanagar, Mar 13: With the aim of fine-tuning Coronavirus (Covid-19) preparedness in Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar on Friday conducted a video conference with the Deputy Commissioners of all the districts wherein discussions primarily focused on precautionary measures. 
CS asked the DCs to screen all passengers entering their respective district based on the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to be issued by the Health Department, apart from setting up of district-wise Control Room for Covid-19. Instructions were also issued to the DCs to earmark separate areas as flu corners for screening of suspected cases in district headquarters along with procurement of thermal scanners. He also informed about the government order banning movement of people in the Free Movement Regime (FMR) which allows citizens of India and Myanmar to travel up to a distance of 16 kms on either side. Entry from neighbouring countries of Myanmar, Bhutan and Nepal have also been regulated, CS informed, adding that the DCs would soon be empowered to take penal action against those failing to comply with these rules.While stressing on spreading awareness on personal hygiene and respiratory etiquette in local dialects by using the resources of Anganwadi Centres and Rural Development department, he emphasised on disseminating information using all the channels of media.
Secretary Health, P. Parthivan informed that 18 Arunachalees have been identified as visiting Covid-19 affected countries, out of which the State Surveillance Unit has tracked 16 people and of them, 13 are still outside the state. He further informed that surveillance has been put up at the railway station, helipad and Pasighat airport and added that six quarantine facilities for Covid-19 have been identified at the De-addiction Centre Charju, Khonsa in Tirap, Girls’ Hostel IGJ, Pasighat in East Siang, Scout & Guide Dormitory, Naharlagun in Papum Pare, Circuit House, Mahadevpur in Namsai, Forest Guest House, Tezu in Lohit and Girls’ Hostel, Bomdila in West Kameng. 
Secretary Health added that four representatives from each district have been trained who will visit their respective district to spread more awareness and sample collection kits would soon be available in districts. 
Secretary Tourism Sadhana Deori while informing that the Protected Area Permit (PAP) has been temporarily suspended, stated that advisories have also been issued to regulate the issue of Inner Line Permits (ILPs) to tourists from the endemic states.
Meanwhile, Secretary Disaster Management Dani Sulu directed the DCs to identify at least 5 facilities each for quarantine of suspected cases and isolation of confirmed cases and 5 in reserve and make visits to ensure quarantine facilities are well-prepared and equipped. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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