Dakshina Kannada, Udupi districts on high alert after Zika virus detection in Kerala
Mangaluru: In the wake of Zika virus cases which are spread by Aedes mosquitoes being reported in Kerala, the State Health Department has issued a directive to border districts such as Chamarajanagar, D.K., and Udupi to maintain extra caution as a preventive measure.
The Dakshina Kannada District Commissioner Dr. Rajendra K. V. informed that the health department has ordered preventive measures to be taken to control the spread of Aedes disease-carrying mosquitoes in the D. K. district.
“In line with the health screening measures for those coming from Kerala, already, RTPCR Negative reports or COVID vaccination certificates have been made mandatory. Other than that, there are no new specific directives related to the Zika virus. Since this virus is spread from mosquitoes, the state will strictly follow related guidelines. The symptoms caused by the Zika virus will have to be ascertained based on clinical directives. There is no need or panic in this regard. Further assessment will be done about additional technical measures to be taken in the border regions”, the district commissioner informed.
Since the population of Aedes mosquitoes that carries the Zika virus increases during the monsoons, the state-wide monitoring of the carrier spread has been directed.
To control the carrier mosquito, guidelines have been issued for houses, airports, harbours, villages, cities, and populated areas to monitor the growth of larvae and keep a keen eye on the same. Regarding chemical and biological spraying, and adequate handling of waste disposal, the health commissioner has issued clear guidelines. Those with symptoms of Zika virus suffer from fever, itching, and joint pain among other symptoms, it is learned. The blood samples of the suspected patients with these symptoms have been directed to be collected and sent to Bengaluru National Institute of Virology (NIV), as per the state guidelines.
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Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
