Boinda: The surge in Covid-19 cases in rural areas of eight panchayats including Boinda of Kishorenagar block in Angul district has been a cause of concern for the administration.
As per the information available, a total of 281 residents of Nunukapashi panchayat tested positive for Covid-19 in the last 40 days. The panchayat has so far reported one fatality. During the same period, Boinda panchayat reported 276 cases. The figures for other panchayats are: Handapa (269, seven deaths), Jambunali (88), Luhamunda (82, two deaths), Kataranga (81), Kanteikoila (77) and Bileinali (70, one death).
Boinda is known as one of the prominent business hubs in Angul district. Small-time businessmen and farmers from nearby villages come to this town every day. They have been blamed for the spread of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, the panchayat administrations have imposed a seven-day shutdown in various villages of Nunukapashi, Boinda, Jambunali, Luhamunda, Handapa and Kanteikolia panchayats. In order to avoid community transmission in, residents of 22 villages with the support of the administration are enforcing the shutdown rule strictly. They have erected bamboo fences at the entry points, restricting entry of outsiders into the villages.
In view of the situation in the rural areas, the local administration is taking steps to create awareness among the villagers. Police on the other hand, are keeping an eye on violators. They have sealed many shops for violating Covid-19 guidelines.
Panic-stricken villagers urged the administration to take stringent action against those who are endangering the lives of others by not following the guidelines.
“The cases are increasing in villages because infected persons instead of staying at home, roaming in markets. They should realise that it is difficult for poor villagers to pay hospital bills or even undergo home quarantine. The police should take stringent action against Covid-19 violators,” observed Amat Sahu, a resident of Kanteikolia panchayt.
Echoing the same, Anil Kumar Sahu of Handapa panchayat alleged that infected persons are not following the home quarantine rules. They are moving around in villages without masks. They should be punished, Sahu said.
When contacted, Dr Saroj Kumar Nanda of Boinda CHC said the situation in rural areas is deteriorating by the day because infected patients are hardly taking medication or following guidelines.
“We are keeping a watchful eye on those who are roaming outside without any work. We will be stricter in coming days,” said Arun Kumar Panda, OIC, Boinda outpost.
When asked, Kishorenagar tehsildar Shantiswarup Mishra admitted that the number of Covid-19 patients in the block is increasing. “We are taking measures to contain the spread. We are raiding shops flouting Covid-19 guidelines and sealing them. We are also creating awareness among the people on how the disease can be kept at bay. We are also requesting infected persons not to step out during home isolation period,” he informed.
PNN