YUPIA, Apr 7: Papum Pare Deputy Commissioner Pige Ligu while admitting to the underperformance of the district during the COVID-19 management in its first wave has underscored the need for “corrective” measure in its second wave and also called for speeding up the random testing at the Point of Entry (PoE).

Ligu made this assertion during the 7th Papum Pare District Task Force for Immunization (DTFI) meeting held at the DC conference hall here today to review the performance of the district in the vaccination drive, in view of the spike of Covid-19 cases through its new strain across the country.

Chairing the meeting, the DC urged upon the Health department to stay alert and well prepared in advance in the event of any outbreak to fight the COVID-19 second wave, which he said is being described as more dangerous than the previous one.

He also took stock of Covid-19 vaccination drive in the district and asked the Health department to mobilize and motivate the registered beneficiaries to get their shots and also to ensure that all health workers and frontline workers including admin officers, head of departments, police personnel and APST drivers who are more vulnerable are vaccinated.

Acknowledging the shortfall during the COVID-19 management in its first wave, the DC stressed on the need for “correction” and instructed the DMO to convene a meeting of all Covid Warriors of the district and also to expedite on random testing at the Point of Entry (PoE).

Earlier, District Medical Officer Dr K Perme informed the house about the status of Covid-19 pandemic prevailing in the country and highlighted the focus point for action.

An action plan to mitigate Covid-19 transmission for the district was also prepared during the meeting.  DRCHO Dr Neyang Nitik gave a PPT on the status of Covid-19 vaccination drive in the district.

Among others, ADC (HQs) Tabang Bodung, representatives from line departments ICDS and Education, programme officers and staff attended the meeting. (DIPRO)