KOCHI: In view of Bakrid, district collector Jafar Malik has urged the public to follow Covid-19 protocols. Stringent steps will be initiated against who are found violating the protocols. Police patrolling will be strengthened. Only those who took at least the first dose of vaccine should venture out and others should refrain from stepping out of their houses, he said.
People should come forward after Bakrid to undergo Covid tests. Surveillance will be strengthened in local bodies where more micro containment zones have been announced, the collector added
Domiciliary care centres (DCCs), which are currently functioning, will not be closed. A special meeting of local bodies where rapid response teams are weak will be convened, he added.
Meanwhile, the number of vacant beds available for Covid treatment in the district dipped to 2,929 on Tuesday from 3,082 on Monday. In 11 government hospitals, 1,383 beds are available and 528 patients are under treatment. Besides, 855 beds are also available in various hospitals for critical Covid patients.
Special vaccination drive: Meanwhile, authorities are carrying out a special vaccination drive to provide the jab to all stakeholders in the sector. All associated with the tourism sector in the district will be vaccinated at a drive to be held in Kochi on Thursday and Friday.
Around 2,000 people, including drivers of tourist vehicles, those manning homestays and serviced villas, guides, officials with the department, hotel and restaurant staff will be vaccinated during the drive.
“There will be five counters each for registration and vaccination. The facility to vaccinate 150 persons an hour by following Covid protocol will be arranged,” said Shine K S, chief executive officer, Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), which takes the initiative for the mass vaccination drive.
The tourism department is planning to complete all preparations for opening the sector by July 31. There will be strict regulations like maximum one-hour stay for a group in each location. Only 50% of the carrying capacity (the capacity to accommodate people) of the location will be allowed, officials said.
