In the absence of thermal scanners to screen passengers at Chandigarh International Airport, the ill-equipped health department is using primitive methods for coronavirus scan. Instead of this advanced technology, they are using thermometers. (As reported in Hindustan Times on 19 March, 2020)
As per officiating deputy commissioner Aashika Jain, the civil surgeon had been instructed on March 5, 2020 to immediately buy a thermal scanner and install it at the airport. Costing around ₹15 lakh and two weeks on, there is no such development till now.
Issue Of Funds
However, according to Mohali deputy commissioner Girish Dayalan, there were lack of funds for buying a thermal scanner. But, now thay have decided to buy one under the corporate social responsibility.
Earlier, he had ordered that the passengers arriving at the Chandigarh international airport must undergo checks with thermal scanners. No chances could be taken.
Thermal scanners are used to detect people with a high temperature that could be caused by coronavirus. They can scan large crowds. Thus, this saves time.
Quarantine Plans
The state’s preparedness to tackle the deadly coronavirus has come to light:
- Home quarantine: The ones found asymptomatic would be home quarantined for a period of fourteen days. The medical staff would also stamp passengers’ wrists to indicate the last date of quarantine. Also, a list of the home quarantine people would be available on www.sasnagar.gov.in. This initiative is in the larger interest of public.
The ones found violating home quarantine, strict action would follow.
- Quarantine at hospitals: DC Dayalan added that administration has made isolation wards at designated hospitals. Under the surveillance of the health department, the ones who would be at high risk would be given quarantine facilities.
- Quarantine at hotels: Arrangements have been made at designated hotels, namely Hotel Majestic in Phase 9, Hotel Cama in Phase 3A (Mohali), Hotel Almeda, Velvet Clarke in Zirakpur, Hotel Arista in Sunny Enclave, and Hotel Royal at Landran road, Kharar. Medical teams from the health department, have also been deputed. The police and enforcement team have been asked to keep a close vigil here.
All expenses will have to be borne by the occupants themselves.
- 24 Hours Quarantine: Passengers, including both Indian and foreign nationals, from Dubai and Sharjah arriving at the Chandigarh international airport will be quarantined for two complete days. This will come in effect from March 20, 2020 onwards.
For any queries or reports, the district administration has issued a toll free helpline number 9876733423.
News Source: Hindustan Times
Image Source: HT