Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Jun 3: Medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar addressed the media on Wednesday, June 3, and issued certain guidelines concerning quarantine system.

Meanwhile, the minister also spoke on the issue of lack of laboratory in the district. Addressing the situation, Dr Sudhakar said, "It is mandatory for medical colleges to have laboratories. Currently, there are eight medical colleges in the district, but only four of the colleges have set up labs. Two weeks’ time has been given to these colleges to make necessary arrangements. If rest of the four colleges do not set up labs in the given time, strict action will be taken against them."

While speaking on relaxation in the current quarantine system, he said, "At present, 14 days of quarantine is what is followed. It is practically difficult and hence we are considering to bring down the number of days to seven for home quarantine.

"The decision concerning the Maharashtra returnees on whether they have to be placed under home quarantine or institutional quarantine will also be taken. There is no need for testing people who have not displayed any symptoms and home quarantine is the only plausible option in the future. The home quarantine will be effective and there will no cross-contamination," he added.

There is no need to form containment zones, instead, the house with suspected coronavirus patient can be sealed. Further, officials need to make sure that the infected people do not leave their home for 14 days. However, if symptoms are found within 14 days, testing will be carried out. If anyone violates the quarantine order, then stringent action will be taken against them as per the law, said the minister.

Talking about passengers travelling from overseas, Dr Sudhakar stated that the repatriated people will have to follow seven days of institutional quarantine.

So far, over 3 lac people have been tested for coronavirus infection, the minister said. Among those tested, over 3,700 have tested positive and 1,500 people have been cured and discharged. He also urged people not to panic regarding coronavirus. Instead, he maintained that every individual should follow health guidelines, which includes maintaining social distance and wearing face masks.

Dakshina Kannada deputy commissioner Sindhu B Rupesh, district in-charge minister Kota Srinivas Poojary and others were present.