Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy has instructed officials to conduct comprehensive screening and COVID-19 test to cover all households within the next 90 days. He said that the exercise must be carried out using 104 ambulances and urban health clinics.
“People suffering from diabetes, blood pressure and other chronic ailments should also be addressed and the 104 ambulances should carry adequate equipment and medicines,” Reddy told officials. As per a News18 report, the Chief Minister has told officials to adopt a separate strategy for urban areas and urban health clinics.
Officials said that as of now over 24,000 tests are being conducted per day. “Preference is given for testing people who are above 60 years and people above 40 years who are suffering with chronic ailments. The mortality rate has been on the slide,” officials said.
“The preference is also being given to those residing in containment zones and high-risk areas. In the industrial, trade centers, temples, market yards and other categories the tests are carried out randomly.” “The awareness should be created and the stigma factor should be removed among people at ground level and a local protocol should be prepared. Hoardings should be erected to this effect.” the Andhra CM has instructed.
Reddy also directed officials to create awareness among people at ground level and erect hoarding regarding the same. Details of whom to contact in case of any query on COVID-19 should be displayed at all village secretariats, the CM added.
(With inputs from PTI)