Team Herald
PANJIM: In a bid to check the spread of COVID-19, the State government will undertake a house-to-house health community survey from April 13 to 16.
This was announced by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Monday. Sawant said that for the community survey a strong force of around 7,000 workers, including teachers, anganwadi workers, BLOs, health workers will be drafted.
“Every household will have to fill a form and give details to the surveyors, including that of tenants,” Sawant said. He said the household will have to declare the detailed travel history of the family members, if any since February 15.
“People must not misunderstand this survey as it will only have health related questions on COVID symptoms,” he explained.
Sawant said that the workers will cover 1,560 polling booths, besides IDC colonies and beach shack areas in three days.
“If health workers can do the work during COVID-19, I am sure other government servants can also come in support. If need be, we will rope in more workers to finish the job in time,” he asserted.
The Chief Minister also said that the Health Department will start rapid testing in Hospicio, Margao, Asilo Hospital, Mapusa and SD Hospital, Ponda. “These tests on suspects will give reports within an hour,” he stated, adding that if the tests are positive, it would be confirmed again at the GMC Virology lab.
He said that GMC will also start Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) ward soon. “This will avoid confusion between COVID and respiratory disease,” he says.
The Chief Minister also said that Porvorim-based SLR Diagnostics has been approved for conducting COVID tests. “Any private person can conduct a test for a prescribed fee (around Rs 4,500). The lab will get it tested from Mumbai. The lab has got approval from ICMR,” he said.
Further, the Chief Minister requested employees of pharmaceutical companies to rejoin work as soon as possible as there is a demand for medicines in Goa and the country. “Goa is major supplier of medicine in the country and at these testing times production has to be increased. Hence, I request all pharmaceutical companies to resume work as the government will take care that proper social distancing and hygiene is maintained at the companies,” he said.
Stating that the Centre will have to take a decision on the seafarers’ issue, the Chief Minister said he will hold a meeting with the NRI Commissioner and Centre. A decision in this regard is expected by Tuesday, he said.
On opening of borders post April 14, when the lockdown ends, Sawant said the decision will be taken by the Cabinet in consultation with the Centre.
