Zero COVID: Know the innovative steps this Maharashtra district took

As on Tuesday (April 14), Maharashtra remains the worst COVID-19 affected state with more than 2,400 positive cases and 161 deaths. As the state struggles to contain the spread of the virus, Chandrapur, a small district in Maharashtra is setting example with its innovative steps to fight the pandemic.

Though Chandrapur’s neighbouring districts like Nagpur and Yavatmal have reported positive COVID-19 cases, this model district has zero cases so far. The district administration is issuing passes which allows only one member of the family to step out on fixed dates.

The whole district, with 85,000 households is divided into six groups and each of these groups are given passes with fixed dates on it. The pass contains a photograph of one person and only he/she is allowed to step out between 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. The district administration with the help of ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activist) workers is implementing this method in 15 blocks of the district. More than 15, 000 passes have been issues in Chandrapur so far.

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As reported by Indian Express, Chandrapur District Collector Kunal Khemkar said the idea was not a foolproof as those in need of medicines can step out regardless of their allotted dates, but the passes certainly restrained people.

Around 17,000 people who travelled from other districts have been home quarantined.