COVID-19 hits Visakhapatnam District Collectorate as staff test positive

Over 1,400 COVID-19 cases have been reported in Visakhapatnam district since 2 July. With areas like Jodugullapalem, Fishermen’s Colony, MVP Colony and other localities emerging as hotspots, the officials are working round the clock to trace and treat the individuals. Meanwhile, Visakhapatnam District Collectorate too has reported cases over the past three days.

In a conversation with Yo! Vizag, Visakhapatnam District Revenue Officer(DRO), Sri Devi, informed that as many as 10 employees at the Visakhapatnam District Collectorate have tested positive for COVID-19. She added that 10 of the infected staff’s family members contracted the virus. Sharing the measures that are being taken in light of the coronavirus cases, the DRO said that 350 staff, including officers, were tested so far. Elaborating further, she said, “The premises of the Collectorate was sanitised. Contact tracing of the infected staff is currently underway. Considering the current situation, arrangements have been made to deploy only 50 per cent of staff. Those above the age of 55 years, people with comorbidities and pregnant women have been informed to stay home.”

In order to contain further spread of COVID-19 at Visakhapatnam District Collectorate, officials have decided to regulate the entry of the public. As an alternative, a dropbox has been placed at the entrance to receive grievances.

As Vizag reported 81 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday evening, the total number of confirmed cases in the district reached 2,456. According to the COVID-19 Special Officer for Visakhapatnam, Dr PV Sudhakar, 1,034 patients were undergoing treatment in the district and 1,382 individuals were discharged after recovering from the virus. The district death toll increased to 40, as five patient has succumbed to COVID-19. As on 15 July, the very active, active, and dormant clusters in the district stood at 129, 212, and 217 respectively. 39 containment clusters were denotified after no new coronavirus cases have been reported in those areas in the past 28 days in Vizag.