“We want people to be treated at Hospitals, but will allow them home treatment if they insist,” Megh Nidhi Dahal, Hailakandi DC

Hailakandi Administration has intensified testing in the district. Rapid Antigen Test kit is being used for random testing in busy areas. About 5000 tests have been performed so far. The officials witnessed resistance from the general public as many of them refused to volunteer in the testing process.

The administration has identified fear of hospitals and COVID Care Centres as the reason behind the resistance. To deal with the scenario, the administration reiterated the guidelines issued by the State Health Department with regards to home treatment.

“We want people to be treated at Hospitals, but we will allow them home treatment if they insist,” said Megh Nidhi Dahal, Hailakandi DC. He added, “We need people to volunteer in the testing process as it is important to restrict the further spread of virus in the community. If they are not getting tested because of the fear of being admitted to COVID Care Centres it will cause more harm.”

He made it clear that the home treatment will only be allowed to asymptomatic patients who do not have housemates belonging to the vulnerable category. The patients applying for home treatment must have a private means of communication and the neighbours should not have a reasonable objection.

“The patients need to check their vitals regularly so they will have to buy a pulse oximeter. No doctors will be available for doorstep visit. The official from the administration will call patients once a day to maintain records. In case of emergency, the patients will have to rush to the COVID Care Centre of their choice by themselves. They can avail government ambulance, but that will be subject to availability,” added Dahal.

In order to encourage people to get tested, the Hailakandi administration has taken several steps. “In the market area, we have decided that if a shopkeeper tests positive we will not keep it sealed for 14 days. The official will sanitise the shop and let it operate. We have taken this decision as we noticed that shopkeepers are not volunteering in tests,” said Dahal.