Ahead of third wave, Chamarajanagar launches ‘sentinel survey’

MYSURU: The district administration in Chamarajanagar has realised that accurate information is perhaps the most important weapon that it can have in its arsenal in the battle against Covid-19. To this end, the district administration has launched a ‘sentinel survey’, the primary objective of which is to assess the prevalence of Covid-19 in Chamarajanagar.
As part of this exercise, sero-survey will be undertaken, alongside testing people for presence of Covid-19 anti-bodies. Most of those selected for the ‘sentinel survey’ will be chosen from generally crowded places such as bus terminals, commercial markets, hospitals, et al. The Chamarajanagar district administration will launch the ‘sentinel survey’ from August 1.
The district administration has enlisted the assistance of Dr Giridhara Babu and Dr V Ravi, both of whom are members of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), for the survey, which officials in Chamarajanagar are claiming to the first-of-its-kind in the state. The Institute of Public Health in BR Hills in Chamarajanagar has been anointed the executing agency for the survey.
Elaborating on the underlying purpose of the survey, officials said, “Our idea is to zero in on places where the disease was widely prevalent earlier, and obtain information on the number of people who were afflicted by Covid-19. The survey will be conducted at random, and based on the findings, we will decide on the future course of action to be adopted.”
Chamarajanagar deputy commissioner MR Ravi said, “This survey will help us group, using various criteria, those who were affected by Covid-19. The findings of the survey will help us prepare for the third wave.”
Emphasising the role that possession of information on the prevalence of Covid-19 could have on finalising the district administration’s strategy for the predicted third wave of Covid-19, Ravi added, “We will have a clearer picture on the precautionary measures to be adopted, in addition to knowing areas that are more vulnerable to Covid. The district administration is bearing all the expenses for the survey. Dr Babu and Dr Ravi have agreed to lend their assistance to the district administration in this endeavour.”