Mass Covid-19 testing drive in UP villages to begin from May 5

New Delhi:  The UP Government is making all-round efforts to keep second Covid wave in control and coming up with new ideas to keep a check on the spread. In this regard, CM Yogi Adityanath is going to launch an extensive testing drive for COVID-19 infection in all the 97,409 revenue villages of Uttar Pradesh from May 5. To effectively run the campaign, a special 2-day training is being provided to the ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) and Aanganwadi workers

The initiative of CM Yogi aims to drive down Covid-19 rates and transmission in the rural area by identifying positive cases. In this regard, the CM asked the officials to make all the necessary preparations. The number of RRTs (Rapid Response Teams) should be increased to check COVID-19 spread in the villages of each district. Members of RRTs should make door-to-door visits and check body temperatures through infra-red thermometers, record oxygen level with the help of pulse oximeters and check for other symptoms in people. After this, antigen testing of those found with Covid symptoms will be done.

CM Yogi Adityanath has always emphasized on the mantra of ‘Test, Trace and Treat’ in curbing the coronavirus spread. With Covid numbers surging in rural areas, the government has decided to ramp up testing in around 97,409 revenue villages of 75 districts. The focus is to contain the spread of the infections in rural areas.

“There is a need for special vigilance towards the villages. In such a situation, a massive campaign of Covid Testing should be conducted in all the 97409 revenue villages of the state”, said the Chief Minister while presiding over a high level review meeting. As per his instructions, as many as ten lakh antigen tests will be conducted in rural areas while ten lakh medical kits will also be distributed during the drive.

The CM ordered the Department of Health to complete preparations for the successful implementation of this large testing drive which will begin from Wednesday, May 5. CM Yogi has already said that for the effective prevention of Covid-19, action should be taken in accordance with the mantra of ‘Test, trace, treat’. Thorough screening of every migrant person coming to rural area should be done by the monitoring committees. If required, the migrants must be kept under Quarantine. There should be centers where the returnees have to quarantine for 14 days before entering the villages.

“We are hoping that the villagers will recognise the benefits of getting tested to help reduce the spread of the virus”, informed an official.

Seek help from the Monitoring Committees

Yogi Adityanath asked the officials to seek help from the monitoring committees. Those who are found unwell or those who tested positive, should be given treatment according to Covid medical protocols. While giving instructions to the team, the CM said, “based on their condition, they should either be admitted to the hospital or placed in home isolation. Those found infected, should also be provided with a medical kit”.

Around 60,569 surveillance committees at village level

On the instructions of the Chief Minister, around 60,569 surveillance committees (nigrani samiti) have been set up in 58,194 gram panchayats to provide relief and timely medical facilities to the villagers against the deadly second wave.

Include Lekhpal in the Surveillance committees.

CM Yogi has asked to include Lekhpal as the member of the monitoring committees. There are around 40,1851 members in the 60,569 surveillance committees constituted at the village level. Gram Pradhan is the chairman of the surveillance committees. The Gram Panchayat Secretary is the Members Secretary and representatives of Asha, Anganwadikatri, Kotedar, Rojgar Sevak, Chowkidar and others are the members of these committees.

Mega Sanitation Drive in Revenue Villages

To bring down the transmission level of various infections including coronavirus, and to ensure proper cleanliness in rural areas, the Uttar Pradesh Government has already carried out rigorous cleanliness campaigns in all the revenue villages of 75 districts in the state. Under the special sanitation drive, cleaning, sanitisation and fogging was done at a rapid pace, across all the 58194 Gram Panchayats of UP. In fact, the cleanliness drives and frequent cleaning of drains has started showing positive results as rate of infection has decreased remarkably in the villages. The 97,409 revenue villages were sprayed with street-bleaching powder, sodium hypo chloride and fogging was also done.