BMC clueless about spike in Covid-19 cases in Bhubaneswar, starts mobile testing
Bhubaneswar: While there has been regular spike in Covid-19 cases in the Odisha capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation is clueless as to how it will contain the spread of the novel coronavirus in the city.
However, with no alternative they have stepped up COVID-19 testing on Friday and launched mobile sample collection van to carry out swab sample at various places in the city.
The customized mobile testing van, carrying lab technicians, will collect swab samples from elderly people, senior citizens or those having serious health issues and having difficulties in mobility. The van will also be sent to different places such as bus stands, railway stations, airports and interior areas in the city for sample collection.
Those undergoing tests would have to furnish all their particulars, including mobile phone numbers, Aadhar numbers, addresses and their present health conditions etc. before collection of samples.
The facility was flagged off by Director Municipal Administrator, Sangramjit Nayak, in presence of other officials, doctors of BMC at its office premises this afternoon.
The mobile testing vehicle, launched by the civic body provided by ICICI Bank under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, is specially designed and well-equipped to accommodate two laboratory technicians who will collect samples from the doorsteps of the suspected cases.
The testing van is a way to identify suspected cases from the city without bringing them to the hospitals for testing, thus reducing their risk of infection. The van will also be sent to locations from where maximum positive cases are reported.
