ESMA was enforced in Tripura. All preparations are in place to deal any eventuality, CM said after taking stock of preparedness in two Hospitals in Agartala
Enewstime Desk
Agartala, April 09, 2020: The state government has brought into force the Essential Services Management Act (ESMA) with immediate effect. Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has posted the update in his social media handle on Thursday. “In order to better manage #COVID-19 outbreak in the interest of citizens, from today the Government has implemented the Essential Services Management Act (ESMA) with immediate effect in Tripura,” Deb wrote in his social media handle.
The Chief Minister accompanied by Chief Secretary and Health officials today visited two major hospitals in Agartala and took stock of the preparations to deal with any eventuality. Deb held threadbare discussions with the officials on the preparations during his visit to GBP hospital. He held telephonic conversation with the COVID-19 infected woman during his visit to GBP Hospital today. As per the medical reports, health condition of the patient is improving gradually.
Later speaking to Media, Deb urged the citizens to cooperate with the medical professionals who are staying in rented in various parts of the state. “If we receive any complaint that any person is forcing any health professional to vacate rented house or asking for rent, the state government will take strict action. In today’s scenario, the persons engaged in essential services are working round the clock risking their lives. At such a situation, our first duty is to cooperate and encourage them,” the Chief Minister said.
Meanwhile, briefing about overall situation, Health secretary Dr. Debasis Basu said, as many as 985 persons are under surveillance now and total 156 persons including three international travelers are in facility quarantine and 829 persons including 13 international travelers are in home quarantine. He also said samples of 274 persons have been tested till today. The Health department also placed order for 15000 rapid antibody kits for various types of testing and the kits are expected to reach the state within next few days, Dr. Basu added.
State Surveillance Officer Dr. Deep Kumar Debbarma also attended the news conference and said there was no shortage in testing kits. Around 5000 kits including 3000 PPEs are expected to reach the state by tomorrow. He said the Microbiology Lab of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) is the only designated COVID19 testing centre of state. The Health department is planning to set up one more testing centre in IGM hospital, he said.
