Coronavirus: Haryana to launch door-to-door screening of people

Amid a spike in number of Coronavirus cases in state, Haryana government has decided to launch a door-to-door screening of people. State Health Minister Anil Vij said under initiative, department teams will visit every household and examine “each person”. If symptoms of COVID-19 are found, ir samples will be taken for testing, Vij said here on Thursday.

So far, 214 coronavirus cases, including two deaths, have been reported from state. number includes 24 foreigners who tested positive for infection in state. About measures taken to check pandemic, Vij said y have decided to hire retired doctors on contract for one year. So far, 197 doctors have joined duty, he said.

On issue of a private doctor in Panchkula allegedly having failed to inform Health Department about a coronavirus patient, who along with eight members of his family tested positive for virus, Vij said he has directed to file an FIR for negligence.

FIR will be filed under provisions of Epidemic Diseases Act, he said, ding that it was duty of private doctors to give information about COVID-19 patients to ministration.

He, however, said y have written to Indian Medical Association (IMA) that in view of prevailing situation, private doctors should be asked to open ir clinics so that general public can be treated for or diseases.

Commenting on coronavirus cases in state, he said, “H re t been a spike in number of cases due to Tablighi Jamaat members, state would have been in a much better position today as far as fight against Covid-19 is concerned."

He said of 149 active cases in state at present, 122 are linked to Jamaat members.

Vij said areas declared as containment zones in Haryana have been completely sealed and directions have been given to provide essential items in se areas so that people do t face any kind of problem.