Vellore govt hosps effect social distancing in OP blocks

Medical officials have enforced social distancing in OP (out-patient) lines at government hospitals with boxes being drawn every three feet where patients are supposed to stand till they are attended to.

Dr Therani Rajan of the Vellore Government Medical College Hospital (VGMCH) said, “We are requesting the OP patients to visit the hospital only if necessary in a bid to reduce their number.”

However, on Monday, though there was a slight reduction in the usual 2,500 per day OP strength, crowds were still found in OP lines. With taluk hospitals having lesser OP daily, “public awareness on the need for social distancing has resulted in the strength coming down,” said a medical official attached to the Gudiyattam Government Hospital.

The method was first mooted by Tasmac for its retail outlets in Erode district, but was soon introduced to all retail outlets in Tamil Nadu. In Vellore, this was introduced only in outlets where there was space for the exercise.

Meanwhile, Vellore Collector A Shanmuga Sundaram, accompanied by Vellore Government Medical College Dean Dr Selvi and JD (Health) I Yasmin, held talks with CMC Director JV Peter regarding handling of COVID-19 cases.

One more patient, a youth from West Bengal, is admitted to the Vellore Government Medical College Hospital with coronavirus symptoms on Monday, bringing the total admissions at the hospital to three.

Another West Bengal youth and a Vaniyambadi jail inmate were both admitted with similar symptoms some days ago.

At Ranipet, a private manufacturer provided the district administration 1,000 litres floor cleaner, 100 litres handwash liquid and 125 litres hand sanitiser to the districtadministration.

Vellore TNSTC officials said that they were operating only 300 of the 620 buses in composite Vellore district. “And even this would be reduced if there are no passengers” an official said on condition of anonymity.