Though the numbers are less but a sudden rise in Covid-19 cases have brought the administration on its toes. Covid cases are on decline in the city but a few fresh positive cases have been reported. Irrespective of the Covid fear, people are stepping out to make purchases for the most awaited festival of the year. With the festival just a few days away the crowd will only swell.
In the last 24 hours four fresh positive cases have been reported. All the cases have been reported from the Telco area. At present there are seven active cases.
“ While studying the trend of the virus we have found that it is on the decline. We need to be careful during the festive season. Any kind of environmental pollution could be hazardous for Covid patients who have residual symptoms along with breathing difficulties due to lung fibrosis,” said an official.
The district administration has asked all authorities to focus on adopting extra preparedness measures in view of the festive season and to ensure that the Covid protocol is in place in all shops and establishments and markets where people are likely to congregate. Following the release of fresh guidelines released for Durga Puja, the district health department is working on a strategy for preventive measures during the mega 10-day long festival.
With the threat of a third wave of COVID-19 looming large and sudden increase in cases, the department has focussed on conducting more tests and spreading awareness. The Government has ordered limited gathering and closed doors rituals. Idols will be only 4 feet tall. There would be no distribution of Bhog or fairs would be organised.
An official said that the department has focussed on conducting more tests. The focus is on such areas where positive cases have been found. Though the apex body of Durga Puja committees in the city, Jamshedpur Durga Puja Kendriya Samiti (JDPKS) has plans to make the festival a low key affair, the department is in no mood to take risk and has started planning before to ensure safety of the people.