PONDA: The news of two health workers testing positive for COVID-19 prompted the residents of Usgao to convene an urgent meeting and pass a resolution to “lock down” the entire village for the next two days (June 10 and 11).
The two workers – one working at Margao COVID Hospital and the other at Mangor Hill tested positive for the infection.
According to the locals, over 10,000 migrants are settled in Usgao Tisk and its surrounding areas. To prevent spread of COVID-19, the panchayat convened an urgent meeting wherein a resolution was passed to strictly observe complete lockdown in Usgao on June 10 and 11 respectively. The panchayat will create awareness among the locals on social distancing and on the compulsory use of masks.
The panchayat informed that lockdown decision will be also announced via loudspeakers in Usgao on June 10.
While the pharmacies will remain open in the village, the other shop owners present at the meeting agreed to observe total lockdown.
Meanwhile, doctors confirmed that two persons tested positive for the infection in Usgao.
“Following this, the samples of people and family members, who came in contact with the duo, were taken immediately and the reports of the same are awaited, informed a doctor at Usgao Primary Health Centre (PHC).
Usgao panch Tulshidas Prabu said, “As soon he learnt about COVID positive patients, he immediately alerted the Health Minister, Usgao PHC doctor Sandesh Marcaikar and Ponda PI Mohan Gaude.
Later an urgent meeting with these officials was held in the Usgao Panchayat office which was chaired by Sarpanch Sangeeta Gaonkar.”
Deputy Ramanath Dangi, panchas and Usgao PHC doctors attended the meeting.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Prabu said the panchayat convened an urgent meeting after two cases were reported in Usgao with one of them in his ward at Udiwada.
He said, “One health worker residing in Usgao and working at Vasco informed him about his report testing positive for COVID-19 and he almost cried. But I promised him to provide all support and asked him not to worry and that sufficient care will be taken.”
Meanwhile, Usgao PHC sources informed that the two patients have been admitted to COVID hospital and 42 samples of the family members, neighbours and the people, who came in with the duo, have been sent for testing and the reports are awaited.
Meanwhile, following the Usgao lockdown decision, the locals resorted to panic buying at the shops fearing that it may be extended in case of rise in cases.
With two health workers testing COVID-19 positive, the total cases of health workers rose to three in the taluka, which also includes a health worker, who was tested positive at Adpoi a few days ago.
Earlier, the first case of truck driver testing COVID-19 positive in Ponda was reported at Bethora. A COVID-19 positive case was found at Cuncoliem-Priol recently.
