ITANAGAR, Jun 30: In the wake of two frontline workers having tested positive at SQC, Lekhi with “no clue” to their infection – the All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has made a strong pitch for immediate declaration of lockdown in capital complex region for three to seven days considering the severity of the situation.
This demand came forth when a team of AAPSU led by its president Hawa Bagang and general secretary Tobom Dai met Capital Deputy Commissioner Komkar Dulom at his official chamber here today.
The AAPSU team came up with its submission of lockdown demand to the DC after closely assessing the situation following two frontline workers getting infected without coming in direct contact with any positive patient, saying “this is to enable swift contact tracing of 1st and 2nd contacts and to break the possible chain of community transmission in the capital region”.
With the rise in Covid-19 cases especially in the state capital, the Union said that it has been observed that people have not been following safety measures strictly. “Many can be seen not maintaining social distancing and without masks on the road. Before any covid-19 positive cases, there was strict lockdown across the state. But in direct contrast, it is surprising to see that people carrying on with their daily activities as usual as the state witnesses increasing positive cases,” it added.
Sensing “untold” miseries by health & other frontline workers, the AAPSU also demanded for arrangement of accommodation, fooding and other facilities for the frontline workers who are deputed at quarantine centers. “Presently, many such officials and workers doing duty at QCs commute from their home, which is directly or indirectly putting their families also at risk. All such officials and frontline workers who are on duty should be properly tested before they are relieved from duty. This is an important aspect which the District Administrations across the state and the Department of Health should seriously look into it,” it opined.
It also stated that a hotel or any other suitable accommodation should be arranged for those working at SQC and other centers in the districts exclusively for those officials and frontline workers who have completed their assignments in such centers to enable them to complete their quarantine/isolation period before they are discharged from duty.
Further, the Union strongly urged the State Govt and the Capital District Administration to take the concerns placed by it with all seriousness. If the results of all the persons tested as primary and secondary contacts come as positive, it said that the decision on further course of action should be taken within tomorrow or else “we will be compelled to declare Capital Lockdown for safety and security of the people of the state”.