The partial lockdown in Rayagada led to a decreasing trend in Test Positivity Rate (TPR), death rate, bed occupancy rate, active cases and an increase in recovery rate.As per the statistics provided by CDM and PHO, Rayagada, there are four Covid Care Centres one each in Bissam Cuttack, Tadama, Penta and Gunupur and one Covid Hospital in JK Pur having 720 beds in toto.
Till last Wednesday, only 20 beds were occupied which is just 2.77per cent. Out of total 18,933 confirmed cases, 18,231 have recovered leading to 96.3per cent recovery. Active cases have been decreasing turning Rayagada into a Green Zone.
Similarly, the TPR is also decreasing. The total number deceased is 141 in both waves of Covid-19. But for last ten days the number has not increased leading to its stabillisation. “Nevertheless, we must be prepared for the 3rd surge. While our neighbouring district Ganjam, which had the highest active cases and death rate, we developed several strategies to fight against Covid-19. Several CCCs and Covid Hospitals were built including one by Tata. We have demanded before CM Naveen Patnaik for a second Covid Hospital by Utkal Alumina as a permanent health infrastructure. Once established, it will certainly reduce deaths further,” said State coordinator of Media Cares Ranjan Rath. 800 villages are still inaccessible even by fair weather roads.
In many Dangaria and other tribal villages, different taboos prevailed regarding vaccination. But due to a tribal friendly approach of the district administration and people’s representatives and media, the district has achieved success in controlling Covid.
SP Vivekanada Sharma apart from ensuring the rule of law took a lead in making the Primarily Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) Dangaria Kandhas aware about the good effects of vaccines. Though the target of vaccination for Rayagada district is 2,67,582 for 45years and above, only 1,15,438 and 29,235 have taken first and second dose respectively. So, achievement rates for the first and second doses are 43per cent and 11.34per cent, respectively. Total 18-44 years target is 41,9,540 out of which only 53,393 have taken the first dose leading to an achievement rate of 12.73per cent. According to Assistant Programme Manager, NHM, Rayagada Kiran Kumar Patra the low achievement rate is attributed to availability of vaccines in time and short supply vaccines from the State headquarters. The Community Resource Persons(CRPs) from this tribal community along with other health officials played a vital role in accelerating the vaccination drive.
Out of many heroes of this drive, names of two lady CRPs named Sushanti Mallick and Bedu Wadaka can be cited as example. Sensitising for swab tests, care during and after being affected with Corona, benefits of vaccination through traditional folk songs is their prime focus.
“We must congratulate the public, who cooperated and officials who implemented the guidelines at ground level. At the same time, let’s not be complacent that the combat is over. We need to face yet another struggle for which we must abide all the norms prescribed by the state,” said ADM Sarat Chandra Panda.