THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : The Opposition stands by the hunter even as it runs alongside the hunted, said Health Minister KK Shailaja. She was referring to constant bickering by members of the Opposition at a time when the peril of virus overhangs the community.
While fool-proof mechanisms have been put in place, it would take cooperation from the Opposition to ensure all holes are plugged, the minister told the Assembly.
Kerala is wary of the fact that Covid-19 has affected countries such as the US and UK which have sophisticated screening mechanisms put in place. The head of State from one of the most advanced Scandinavian countries has said that, the spread of the virus has got out of hand. In view of panic it might cause among the public, not all ground realities are being reveled now, said the minister.
Minister Shailaja dismissed Opposition claim that Centre’s circular on 26 February demanded monitoring of all travelers from Italy. There were no instructions at that time asking to seek forms filled out on compulsory basis. Therefore word of the mouth from passengers was the only means of information. The directive calling up on filled forms came only on 4 March, said Health Minister.
To MK Muneer’s suggestion that people should have been isolated quickly on observing symptoms, the minister said “I am given to understand that a distinction between ordinary fever and that of corona can’t be made out quickly.” However Muneer’s suggestion might be prompted by his ability for a quick diagnosis. given that he is a doctor, KK Shailaja said. Apparently irked she said, “In no other part of the world is there a government - opposition divide over the virus.”
China, which has the most sophisticated technology, has witnessed largest number of deaths from the virus. Over 30 persons have died in US. Even when all efforts are deployed, there could minuscule gaps. . However, canvassing the streets to come by some drawback so as to launch attacks on the govt, is not the right thing to do in a situation like this. Opportunity for such gimmick would come later. Right now, the Opposition should comprehend the seriousness of the hour, the minister urged. The first phase has been dealt with successfully, she added.
Announcements at airports asked passengers from China to contact the help desk and go under home quarantine. And dutifully, people reported to the desk and offered themselves to home monitoring subsequently. However, one family that arrived from Italy violated that instruction and hid their health status, the minister said. I wouldn’t want to criticise them them however, she added..
Thousands of people prepare to return from Gulf countries. Four doctors since 24 February, seven doctors since 27 Feb, 13 doctors since 3 March and 15 paramedics were deployed at Nedumbaserry airport, the minister said responding to Opposition charge that there aren’t sufficient medical staff at the airport. The Opposition stirred up ruckus over a hotel name uttered wrongly, though the report thereof carried all details accurately, she reminded.
All newspapers unanimously agreed to hold their printing for as long as it would take for updates from Thrissur to trickle in. The gesture was enormously helpful. Screening has been intensified at all entry positions. However cooperation from all quarters is essential for effective going. Opposition should give up ridicule, the minister urged during the discussion on the corona situation in the state.
