23rd CTA COVID-19 Task Force Briefing: 9 cases this week and 3 deaths

Mrs. Ngawang Tenzin, Department of Health. Photo: Screengrab

Dharamshala: At the routine task force briefing, Dr Tsamchoe, Dr Tenzin Namdol, and Ngawang Tenzin from the Department of Health updated the pandemic status, reviewed measures undertaken by the CTA, and shared relevant guidance for public awareness.

Ngawang Tenzin highlighted the importance of contact tracing and emphasised on following the routine of a) quarantine and self-isolation b) use of mask and keeping social distancing c) Timely health examination

In view of the rapid spread of the infection, contact tracing is crucial. Any infected person has a moral duty to be transparent regarding their travel details and those of whom the person came in contact with.

“Many patients tend to avoid disclosing the details in fear of stigmatization, therefore, be little more understanding and show compassion to them,” she said.

One of the recurrent issues she said is brought to the COVID-19 mental health counseling helpline is regarding the struggles faced by the parents with schools shut down and the challenge of keeping the kids engaged in creative activities. In this regard, it is imperative the parents make a schedule for their kids so they maintain the habit of learning.

Those dealing with mental disorders can avail 50% monetary aid for the treatment from the Health Department.

Dr Tsamchoe updated the weekly quarantine status and initiatives taken by the committee in the Tibetan settlements.

As of now, 571 people are in the quarantine out of which 275 are at home quarantine and 296 at the CTA facilitated quarantine center.

As for the preventive measures, routine sanitisation and disinfection of the settlement are being carried. Likewise, health screening and tests are being conducted on a regular basis.

A total of 7139 people from the Tibetan settlements in India and Nepal have been screened and tested. The SORIG immune booster has been distributed to around 16403 people among which the above 65 age are the largest recipients.

Besides, the mental health counseling helpline has tended over 186 people dealing with a mental and emotional crisis.

As for the pandemic status of the exile Tibetan community for this week: 9 cases are reported this week. A 52 yr-old woman with mild symptoms from Mainpat. She is currently being home quarantined. 2 cases from Bylakuppe which include 40 yr-old woman and 5-month infant. Both of them are asymptomatic. They are currently admitted to the COVID care facility. 3 cases from Ladakh include 75 yr-old woman,23 yr-old woman, and 29 yr-old man. Three of them are currently admitted to the Mahabodhi COVID care facility. 3 cases from Mundgod include 30 yr-old men, 35 yr-old man, and 37 yr-old men and all of them are at the CTA COVID care facility.

The unfortunate news, however, this week is that 84 and 95 yr-old men from Ladakh and 67 yr-old man from Utah passed away from complications caused by COVID-19.

The total case now stands 147 in both India and Nepal. The total case of death is 5 and the recovered case is 89.  

Dr. Tsamchoe explained the new guidelines of the GOI. According to which, the contaminated zone is still under lockdown till 30th September. As per the new guidelines of unlock 4.0,  schools can be opened after September 21, 2020, for teachers and non-teaching staff for special circumstances. However, regular classes will not begin now until September 30, 2020.

Addressing the recent case in Ladakh, Dr. Namdol reminded the gravity of adhering to the precautionary measures implemented by the authority particularly in old age home and crowded institutions.

Since the elderly are at greater risk, Dr. Namdol urged that they be educated properly on the infection, the risks involved, and the precautionary measures in curbing the infection. Until no immediate access to the vaccine is available, entering these old age homes must be prohibited.

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Dr. Tsamchoe addressing the 23rd COVID-19 Task Force Briefing. Photo: Screengrab
Dr Tenzin Namdol, Delek Hospital. Photo: Screengrab