Covid spurt puts Vizag railway station on alert

VISAKHAPATNAM: The Visakhapatnam railway station has sounded an alert to take comprehensive measures to prevent spread of

Covid-19

in station premises. The alert was sounded after cases started increasing in several cities across the country.

Waltair divisional railway manager (DRM) Chetan Kumar Shrivastava said that expeditious actions were taken in order the mitigate the impact of the virus within station limits. Passenger awareness programmes were organised, the DRM said.

Passengers have been told to consult railway officials nearby in case they need medical attention. “Our staff is closely monitoring intensive cleaning and sanitisation of coaches, station premises and offices,” said Shrivastava.

Railway Protection Force (RPF) circle inspector PS Swamy said that the force is closely checking the health condition of passengers after they enter the station through the surveillance system and digital thermal meters.

"The Visakhapatnam railway station is equipped with advanced passenger monitoring system which helps us track untoward incidents," Swamy said.

Meanwhile, Dr PV Sudhakar, Covid-19 special officer for north-coastal AP and principal of Andhra Medical College, said that more than 80 per cent of new cases are being reported from Visakhapatnam city. He said that the people and the government machinery must be on high alert.

“Masks and physical distance are primary protective measures followed by vaccine. Action must be taken against people who violate Covid-19 protocols. Authorities like the railways, police and other stakeholders must start to take measures to stop further spread of the virus,” Sudhakar told TOI.