Tura, July 2: A high level meeting on Covid preparedness against a third wave was held in Tura circuit house on Thursday by Meghalaya Health Minister, AL Hek, accompanied by the Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War, with district officials and medical department officers.

The meeting was held in the light of a possible third wave since the virus has failed to disappear or the disease getting eradicated.

Reviewing the Covid-19 situation and the preparedness of the district to face the challenges of the third wave, the minister appreciated and lauded the tireless services of the medical department and the frontline workers in fighting the Covid-19 in the state.

The Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War, during the review meeting, lauded the frontline workers and others for their tireless efforts in fighting the Covid-19 and said that their services are commendable.

Highlighting the Covid-19 and vaccination status in the district, West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ram Singh informed that despite active surveillance the number of cases are not coming down and the households effected are more in urban than in rural area. According to him, the district is focusing on vaccination drive and the MLAs of the region are also supporting the drive by convincing the people. He also informed that a new Covid hospital is coming up in the district.

The district health officials, while highlighting the preparedness for the third wave, apprised the minister of the requirements in terms of man-power, medicines, equipments, et al. They also informed that the number of Covid deaths, so far in the district, is 23, case fatality rate is 0.64%, positivity rate is 7% and a total of 1400 cases were detected in the month of June.

Others who spoke in the review meeting included the Chairman of Tura Municipal Board, JD Sangma.