Akola adopts Nagpur’s door-to-door survey model

Nagpur: Concerned with the high death rate in Akola due to Covid-19, authorities here have now adopted Nagpur Municipal Corporation’s (NMC) model of door-to-door survey and collecting swab samples of the vulnerable group.
In the last three days, 496 swabs were collected from hotspots in Akola city, said resident deputy collector Sanjay Khadse.
“Akola’s mortality rate is over 5% but most of the deceased had reached hospital in a critical condition.Many of them were brought dead and later tested positive. We don’t want to take any more chances,” said Khadse.
Health officials are initially visiting hotspots like Akot Fail, Jetwan Nagar and Khadan to collect swab samples of senior citizens, people having comorbidities, and those having less oxygen levels.
“Out of 496 samples, only 16 have tested positive. All of them are under treatment and stable. This proactive testing will stop further spread of virus because of these patients,” said Khadse. He appealed to people having low oxygen levels to come forward and get tested.
“We are focusing on confidence building measures and keeping positive atmosphere at the Covid care centres. People should not hesitate to approach the centres and getting admitted here. Ensuring cleanliness, providing nutritious food, and organizing musical events and group activities for patients are our priorities. Hopefully, Akola will get out of the worst-hit tag very soon,” said Khadse.
Akola’s population is just 30% of Nagpur’s but has second highest Covid-19 cases in Vidarbha. Akola has recorded 1,163 cases as on June 20, including 64 deaths which is highest in Vidarbha.