Udupi DC warns strict action over failure to adhere to Covid-19 guidelines

With experts warning about the second wave of Covid-19, Udupi Deputy Commissioner G Jagadeesha has said that strict action would be initiated against those who fail to adhere to the Covid-19 guidelines.

Speaking after receiving the second shot of the Covid-19 vaccine, the DC warned the public that the district administration would slap a fine and book a criminal case if found not wearing a mask in public places.

“The three mantras of wearing mask, maintaining distance, and sanitising hands should be strictly followed,” he said. The owners of shops, business establishments and malls should strictly adhere to the guidelines. If anyone is found violating the guidelines, then strict action will be initiated along with cancelling of trade licences, he said.

Stating that several frontline workers have not received the second dose of vaccination in Udupi, he appealed to all those who received the first dose, to take the second dose. Udupi is in second place when it comes to the vaccination of frontline workers. All the senior citizens and those with comorbid conditions and in the age group of 45 to 59 should receive the vaccination.

He appealed to people to take senior citizens to the nearest government hospitals for vaccination. The district is in the sixth position when it comes to the vaccination of senior citizens and those with comorbid conditions. Already, 17,000 senior citizens and those with comorbid conditions have availed the vaccines. The target is to vaccinate 1.51 lakh senior citizens and others in Udupi district.

Read | Covid-19 positivity rate reduced to 1% in Udupi, says DC

Stating that the Covid-19 cases in the district have steadily increased, he said people should be cautious. From four to five cases per day in January, the cases have increased to 20. The positivity rate is 1.6% from 0.3 per cent in January. Cases of the second wave of coronavirus are on the rise in the neighbouring states of Kerala and Maharashtra.

“If we do not take extra precaution, we will be in the danger zone. We have had very cordial relations with Maharashtra and Kerala for ages. The number of people arriving into the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi from Kerala and Maharashtra are also on rise. Only those with Covid-19 negative certificates will be allowed to enter the district. If people bring it to our notice on those without Covid-19 negative certificate entering the district, then measures will be initiated to get them tested,” he added.