Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB/EP)
Udupi, Sep 5: “All the beds in intensive care units (ICUs) in Udupi are occupied. Get yourself tested immediately if you have symptoms. Those with primary contacts should undergo compulsory tests even if there are no symptoms. We will register cases on the basis of Epidemic Act against those who refuse to get tested,” warned deputy commissioner (DC) G Jagadeesha at a press meet held at zilla panchayat meeting hall, Manipal here on Saturday September 5.
“Wrong information about coronavirus is being conveyed to people in Udupi since the last two weeks. Social media spreads false information. No business or work making money is in progress here. Propaganda about Covid is continuously in progress. Therefore, people, especially elderly, do not come forward for tests. The number of deaths is likely to increase due to that. Therefore, nobody should neglect. If you respect your elders, make them undergo tests and provide treatment.
“If private hospitals treat patients with symptoms at the last minute, we will take legal action against those hospitals also. Twenty mobile Covid testing teams are functioning at present. There are 10 fever clinics. While rapid antigen tests are 70% reliable, RT-PCR tests are more reliable,” he said.
The DC also said that around 105 Covid-infected people have died, out of them 77 were aged between 55 and 65. He urged the public not to go to hospital in the last minute because it would be difficult to get ICU facility. He said that the focus is more on vulnerable group.
“Corona-positive cases are getting doubled in 25 days. Earlier it was nine days. The mortality rate is also getting reduced. Only those who have comorbidities were becoming victims. Due to early detection and isolation process, we have a lesser mortality rate. Mid-way of August the rate was on peak. Fifty percent of the Covid patients are treated under home isolation. There are 200 beds in Kundapur government Covid hospital, 93 people are getting treatment. Out 80 beds in Karkala, 23 Covid patients are under treatment. There are 150 beds in Dr TMA Pai Manipal hospital wherein 72 are under treatment. Our doctors are putting best effort in saving lives. These days, people do not have fear of Covid, because of less death cases. But social media are spreading wrong propaganda saying not to receive treatment," he said.
The DC further said, "We are not getting lab technicians which we need."
Speaking on Ashtami celebration in Udupi Sri Krishna Math, he said "According to new norms released by the government permission can be given up to 100 members to participate in an event after September 21. But this will not be applicable for the Ashtami. Only religious rituals will be held with minimum number of people. Public participation is not allowed in the celebration. We will take all required measures to control crowd gathering.”
MLA Raghupathi Bhat said that systematic propaganda about Covid treatment is in progress in Udupi. “There are allegations against doctors and hospitals alleging commission based business and looting. It adversely affects doctor’s morale, spoiling the entire system. Dr T M A Pai hospital, Manipal, has provided free treatment for four months from March to June. People should realize it and cooperate,” he said.
Dr Prashanth Bhat, district Covid nodal officer, presented PPT on present scenario of Covid in the district.
Dr Shashikiran Umakanth, nodal officer of Dr TMA Pai hospital, said, "We are trying to give better facilities to patients in the hospitals. But still people are believing fake news on social media. We are providing free treatment under Ayushman Bharat scheme. In spite of pressure, we are managing to provide good treatment at the hospital. Most of the patients are coming to the hospitals at the last moment because of which we are not able to manage. People have wrong perception about physicians. But they should not do it. We respect all lives and focus on giving good care and increase in discharges. Only in few cases, Covid symptoms return again. Asymptomatic is most dangerous than symptomatic. It is needed to identify at the early stage. People need to realise the pandemic situation," he said.
Additional deputy commissioner Sadashiv Prabhu, MLA Lalaji Mendon, SP Vishnuvardan, zilla panchayat deputy secretary Kiran Padnekar, and DHO Sudhirchandra Sooda were present.