Rajasthan's 'Bhilwara model' against COVID explained: From 26 to no new cases in past week

As Centre designs 'Cluster containment model' for four cities -  Mumbai, Delhi, Bhilwara, and Agra, where a large number of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been reported, 'Bhilwara model' from Rajasthan has gained attention of  Centre. Bhilwara - a Rajasthan district about 250 kms away from Jaipur has seen cases for past week. While COVID-19 cases were reported on March 18, 26 cases were reported on March 30 - 17 of which have been cured. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot has said that state will start rapid testing in state within a week after ordering10 lakh testing kits from China.

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What is Bhilwara model?

Explaining 'ruthless containment' opted by district officials, Harinder Kumar - SP Bhilwara has said that police opted Nakabandi at district border, city areas - effectively sealing district from state after 26 cases were detected by March-end. He ded that one of hospitals were 17 health officials were detected positive for COVID-19, was sealed and staff was put under isolation. Taking extreme steps, he said that state government which h deployed 3000 health workers to district underwent rigorous testing of almost 2816 people for COVID-19, with only 27 testing positive.

Next - effective supply of food items at houses. Kumar said with effective coordination between various govt depatrments, 100% lockdown has been ensured along with sanitisation of police personnel and or officials on duty. He said, "Beat constables have been making list of supplies needed for people. person has been allowed to stay hungry," ding, " When numbers of positive cases were on hightest, Curfew was imposed and or measures also taken." Reports state that  government delivered supplies and even cooked food for people as all shops were closed.

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Moreover, to ensure movement across district borders, Kumar said that DMs and SPs were briefed about same. With onset of several Markaz attendees testing positive, he said that district officials have been screening every person entering area. Currently, third round of survey is being done in district, he ded. Talking about testing asymptomatic cases which later turned positive, he said that curfew across city limits have been extended till April 13. Reports state that currently, over  950 people are in quarantine and 7620 people in home quarantine in six hotspots identified within district.

Coronavirus: Rajasthan reports 3 new cases; CM apprises about rapid testing in state

Coronavirus crisis in India

As of date, 3981 positive cases have been reported of pandemic Coronavirus (COVID-19) - 325 have been discharged and Maharashtra reported highest at 868. 114 deaths have been reported till date. India has suspended all visas and barred travel from Afghanistan, Philippines, EU, UK, China, Malaysia and mandatory 14-day quarantine from several or countries. Prime Minister has issued a 21-day countrywide lockdown starting from 23 March to April 15 and Finance Minister has anunced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore pack under 'PM Gareeb Kalyan Scheme'.

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