Pics: Kevin Rodrigues

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (KR)

Udupi, Mar 26: Dr TMA Pai hospital will be utilized fully to keep coronavirus positive patients, said Udupi MLA K Raghupati Bhat.

Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld, he said nearly 48 special rooms and 200 beds are arranged at the hospital to keep coronavirus positive patients. He said he has held discussions with Ranjan Pai of Manipal hospital, Udupi.

Bhat urged people of the district to stay at home and strictly adhere to lockdown guidelines issued by the Centre, State and Local Bodies to keep themselves, their families and the country safe.

The MLA said that he inspected the food preparation places and looked into the hygiene practices undertaken while distributing food to the needy.

“Sarvajaneka Ganeshstova Committee Kadiyali is looking into food preparations. I am very happy with their proactive service and arrangements,” he said.

“Today, the world is hit by the Coronavirus crisis. Our Prime Minister has given a call for nationwide lockdown till April 14. Sarvajaneka Ganeshosva Committee Kadiyali is doing the wonderful work of reaching out to the needy people of the temple town. Nearly 600 packets of food are distributed by them on three different routes. They also have plans of increasing the food supply on other routes. All the members of the committee have joined hands to make this noble cause successful,” he said.

“He further spoke on plans of making ration kits. These kits will be given to those who do not have the ration card. Work on this is going on and soon it will be implemented,” he said.

“As the MLA of the constituency, I advise everyone to stay at home and break the chain. I am sure that if we follow all guidelines issued, then we can overcome coronavirus crisis. From the district administration, all measures are in place,” he said.

The MLA informed that people who show initial symptoms of coronavirus will be kept at Udyavara Ayurveda Hospital and nearly 150 beds are prepared by the management. Each taluk and district hospitals have kept few beds ready to deal with coronavirus cases.

With the special interest of the Udupi deputy commissioner, all administrative staff is doing wonderful work to contain the spread of coronavirus.

So far nearly 1,400 people are kept in home quarantine. The VA, police and other officials keep on visiting these houses. Special red poster has been stuck on their compound walls. Notices are given to neighbours to keep an eye on them and inform if they step outside.

“If people who are mandated home quarantine do not follow instructions and came out, then immediately such people will be arrested. They will then be kept at MIT hostels. So far nearly 40 peoples are kept there,” he said.

“We are working hard to contain the spread and ensuring everyone is safe. Our immediate measure is to ensure people maintain social distance. I urge the people to support the administration to take all the steps needed for safety,” he said.