The entire world is struggling under the onslaught of the Corona pandemic. The situation in our country, too, has caused a lot of anxiety. The administration of Gautam Buddha Nagar is tackling the virus on a war footing and its efforts are showing a positive response. The recovery rate of Corona-infected patients in the district is more than 50 per cent. The foresight, tireless work and team spirit of the new District Magistrate Suhas L Y made this possible. In conversation with Santosh Pathak, he outlines the strategies that have helped to keep the situation in control

Initially, it appeared that the situation in the district would worsen in comparison to other places. But it is at the forefront in curing infected patients. How did the turnaround take place?

Our team made efforts that there is no weak link anywhere. Our doctors, paramedical staff, district administrative team and police department are engaged in serving the public. Even entrepreneurs, NGOs and common citizens are doing their bit. The first thing we did was to get in touch directly with the public. For this, a state-of-the-art integrated control room was set up by the district administration. This toll free number, 1800 419 22 11, is controlled by call centres and government officials. It functions on the All-in-One model where all problems related to COVID-19 are resolved by District Administration, Health Department, Police, Noida Authority and Greater Noida Authority. The biggest challenge was to find the infected patients. Our medical team is looking for them and sending them to quarantine within six hours. At the same time, the carrier is searched for and quarantined as well.

What is the role of Government Institute of Medical Sciences Greater Noida in treating infected patients?

It is at the forefront of caring for patients of Greater Noida since the first case was registered in Noida. Earlier, the samples of patients were sent to labs outside the district for testing. This delayed the reports which meant that women and young children quarantined for several days. From April 13, the Government Institute of Medical Sciences started testing in its laboratory itself. This speeded up the operations. The director of the institute, Dr Brigadier Rakesh Gupta and his team are serving the patients 24x7.

How is an area designated as a hotspot? How does your team work in these areas?

The is done on the basis of Corona-infected patients. If one case is found, one kilometre radius is declared as such and if there are three cases, this is extended to three km. In this area, apart from medical, sanitation and essential supplies like ration and vegetables, all other facilities are closed. With this, our cluster maintenance team, which earlier had 300 people and now has 407, starts its work. Anganwadi or Asha local health workers survey each house accompanied by people from the administration and police. The three are our front-line as they survey the area and detect cases. Our Rapid Response Team, consisting of doctors equipped with all the necessary resources, reaches the Corona-infected cases. They locate the people who have come in contact with the infected person and quarantine them immediately. Not letting the disease spread is the biggest challenge. Some people are also examined on-the-spot, if the need arises.

The lockdown has created a stressful situation at homes, especially for women and the elderly. What are the measures that the administration is taking?

The Department of Psychology and Mental Health, Gautam Buddha University, is providing online counselling to all students, teachers, employees and others. If anyone experiences stress, mood fluctuations, lack of sleep, lack of concentration, sudden anxiety, depression, unprovoked fear, loss of confidence or any other similar problems, s/he can get advice from experts over the phone. All these numbers have been circulated in newspapers.

The wheat crop is ready to be harvested. How is the administration supporting farmers?

The officers of the concerned department have been directed to ensure wheat procurement while maintaining social distancing at the purchasing centres set up in the district. The government is purchasing wheat at the rate of Rs 1,925 per quintal from the farmers. Online registration of farmers is mandatory to take advantage of this policy.

The Noida-Delhi border has been sealed recently. Will this help to prevent the further spread of the disease? And wouldn’t it have been better if the step was taken earlier?

No decision is taken suddenly by the administration. It is based on studying the data daily. The sealing will benefit both Noida and Delhi as infected people from both places were infecting others. Managing the risk is the real trick. The geographical location of the district is a big problem as Gautam Buddha Nagar is bordered by other districts. Therefore, there is always this fear that the patient from a hotspot of another state can come here.

The graph of patients recovering is improving. This must be a relief...

The growth of Corona is exponential. We can neither be too happy nor negligent when cases reduce. Rather, one needs to be vigilant. In such a situation, the responsibility of administration increases further because when you aren’t cautious, accidents take place.

An order of the Central Government has granted permission to open some shops. Is this a cause for relief or worry?

The local administration is empowered by the Central and State Government to tighten the guidelines issued by them according to local conditions. On the basis of this, we have strictly stopped every activity except essential services. Currently, no other shops or industrial units will be allowed to open till the situation is completely under control.

People have said that they are facing problems withdrawing money as ATMs do not have cash while those from hotspots are unable to go to the ATM or bank...

There are 445 branches of 45 banks in the district, besides 827 ATMs of banks. These are functioning smoothly. For the convenience of people, 232 bank friends of 10 banks are providing money to people from door to door. There is no problem with cash in the district. A total of 33 ATMs and 47 Bank Mitras are functioning in the hotspot area, through which a transaction of 4.32 crore has been completed. Similarly, the Indian Postal Service is also helping people.

CM Yogi Adityanath has ordered that home delivery personnel should also be checked for Corona. Is it being done in the district?

Home delivery boys have been found to be infected in many places. Because of this, it has been decided that random testing of door-to-door deliverymen will be done.

What message would you like to give to the people?

People, indeed, are facing problems with the lockdown. Reducing their discomfort is our main challenge. Our team of Corona warriors comprising Asha, Anganwadi workers and doctors are fighting for the masses. We are engaged in this endeavor of protecting the society. People, including the ones in the hotspots, have helped us by cooperating. The only request to people is to become aware and also make people around you aware.