UP to launch mega covid testing campaign in rural areas from May 4

Lucknow, May 2 (UNI) In order to prevent Covid surge in the rural areas, the state government is going to launch a mega testing campaign for COVID-19 infection in all the villages of Uttar Pradesh from May 4.
“Based on the principle of test, trace and treat, this four-day drive will result in aggressive testing in all the villages across the state,” CM said in a high level Covid review meeting here on Sunday.
He said villages are a matter of concern and we have to protect the villages from covid spread. The focus is to contain the spread of the infections in rural areas.
“We have to protect villages from Covid infection at any cost. There is a need for special vigilance towards the villages. In such a situation, a massive campaign of Covid testing should be carried out,” he added.
CM has asked officials to make all the necessary preparations. The number of RRTs (Rapid Response Teams) should be increased. They should make door-to-door visits and check body temperatures, record oxygen level and check for other symptoms in people who are into home isolation.
The CM ordered the Department of Health to complete preparations for the successful implementation of this large testing drive.
Thorough screening of every migrant person should be done. 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.

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 (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.
CM has asked officials 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.
Uttar Pradesh Government has already carried out rigorous cleanliness campaigns in all the revenue villages. Under the special sanitation drive, cleaning, sanitisation and fogging was done at a rapid pace, across all the 58,194 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, the official added.
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