Omicron: SOP for Bagdogra Airport soon

SNS, SILIGURI, 5 DECEMBER 21 : The Darjeeling district administration will introduce the standard operating procedure (SOP) to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus variant, Omicron, at the Bagdogra Airport once international flights resume here, in coordination with the Airports Authority of India. The administration has focused on encouraging more Covid tests in the district. Meanwhile, prefabricated Covid wards are also coming up in the district.

At Bagdogra, the only foreign airline that operates is Druk Air. The Bhutan airline would leave Paro twice a week and return from Bangkok on two other days--both ways via Bagdogra. However, the flight service has been suspended since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic early last year.

"We have already received the SOP on how to screen international fliers and also travellers from countries at risk (for Omicron) . We will implement those guidelines in coordination

with the AAI as the international flight starts operations from Bagdogra," said Darjeeling district magistrate S Ponnambalam today.

The state government and airport officials drew up a detailed plan in a meeting held at Nabanna in Kolkata yesterday, it is learnt.

According to scientists, the Omicron variant was more contagious than the previous variants of Covid19.

The Centre has asked states to enhance surveillance and testing; investigate all clusters of cases; and augment the health infrastructure, including critical care beds, ventilators and oxygen supplies.

According to the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital Superintendent Dr Sanjay Mallik, there should be no slackness on the part of the people in following the Covid appropriate behaviour.

"People should rigorously wear masks properly, maintain physical distance and use hand sanitisers," said Dr Mallik, who is also associated with the microbiology department.

Meanwhile, Mr Ponnambalam said they would encourage people to undergo Covid tests if they develop symptoms, as the number of tests in the district has gone down sharply.

"The number of people who would usually turn up for the tests has come dova. We are conducting awareness programmes to encourage people. Our target is to increase the number of tests," he said, adding that the administration will also go for an intensive mask-up drive.

On the other hand, the district magistrate has received the sanction for the prefabricated Covid watt ls in some primary health centres and block primary health centres, it is learnt.