NONGPOH/TURA, June 8: Making transportation accessible for the people of Nongpoh and other adjoining areas affected by coronavirus, Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi RM Kurbah launched the COVID Care Transportation Services at a programme on Tuesday.
Initiated by the Nongpoh Town Committee (NTC) in collaboration with Nongpoh Area Maxi Cab Owners and Drivers Association (NAMCODA) and supported by the District Disaster Management Authority, the transport service will enable COVID-19 patients to reach hospitals without hassle as public transport is presently not available for the public owing to the pandemic situation.
For the time being, five local Sumos are up and running in Nongpoh to provide the service. Public with medical emergencies can contact 9366867621, 8787385095, 9774368969, 8415933633 and 8729940220.
Meeting
West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh, held a meeting with the officials of the Health department, religious leaders and the representatives of the NGOs on Tuesday, to discuss the ways to build the knowledge and capacity of the communities at the household-level to understand the importance of COVID-19-appropriate behaviour and the need for early testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID.
Highlighting the COVID-19 situation and the dissemination of information by the DIPR in the district, the DC informed that the fatality rate in Tura has come down to 7 per cent.
Talking about the declining positivity rate of COVID-19 in the district, the DC stressed on the need to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour and to provide psychological and spiritual counseling services. He also urged the BDOs to motivate the rural people to get vaccinated and to adopt such behaviour and sought the cooperation of all concerned in the society.
While responding to the queries by the representative of the Mothers’ Union, the DC informed that the shopkeepers without wearing masks will not be allowed to operate and the violation will lead to cancellation of licenses.
He asked the Superintendent of Police, VS Rathore, to hold a meeting with the Bazar Committee. Further, the DC also informed that the labourers who are not vaccinated will not be allowed to work in the main market and supermarket.
During the meeting, the Director of Bakdil NGO, Fr. Sunny Malvelil, suggested interaction with the villagers at PHC-level besides mobile announcement by the DIPR in order to motivate the rural masses to spread the awareness on the key role of COVID-19 protocols and the importance of behavioural change.
Two localities under Resubelpara declared containment zones
Meanwhile, two localities from Resubelpara in North Garo Hills were on Tuesday declared containment zones by the district administration after a significant number of COVID-19 positive cases were detected from both areas.
According to an order issued in this regard by Deputy Commissioner RP Marak, Chibagok and Resu Bakrapara localities were declared containment zones for the purpose of contact tracing and isolation. The containment period will continue for six days till June 14.
