KHAR/TIMERGARA: The administration has established 10 quarantine centres for suspected coronavirus cases in different areas of Bajaur tribal district.

An official told Dawn that the decision to establish the quarantine centres was made in a meeting of senior officials of district administration and health department here on Wednesday evening.

He said that administration was mulling over setting up the quarantine centres for the last few days but increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases and two deaths in the province forced it to establish the centres instantly.

He said that the centres were set up in district headquarters hospital Khar, civil hospital Nawagai, civil hospital Larkholozo, community health centre Arang, basic health unit Salarzai, degree college Barkholoz, high school Khar No.2, Daag Qila hostel and postgraduate college Khar.

Every center has a capacity of 30 to 50 beds with attached bathrooms and basic facilities.

Lower Dir DC says district has capacity to keep 105 patients in isolation

Meanwhile, a group of senior officials including Deputy Commissioner Usman Mehsud on Thursday visited a number of quarantine centres t and expressed satisfaction over the facilities available there.

Also in the day, a team of officials visited several bazaars to check that the traders were following government’s recent orders regarding opening and closing of shops.

In Lower Dir, Deputy Commissioner Saadat Hassan on Thursday said the district had a capacity to accommodate 105 patients of COVID-19 at quarantine centres there.

Talking to Dawn, he said that quarantine centre at rural health centre Khall had a capacity of 40 individuals, RHC Gulabad of 40, and social welfare complex Chakdara could accommodate 25 individuals with all other facilities like beds, blankets, pillows, washrooms, electricity and drinking water.

He said that no case coronavirsu was reported in the district so far. Also in the day, the deputy commissioner notified a rapid response team for Adenzai tehsil.

The team consisting of Dr Mukhtiar Ali Shah, Dr Najeebullah, Dr Rasif Khan, Dr Gauhar Amin and Dr Irshad Ahmad has been tasked to carry out surveillance, screening, prevention and case management of the suspected COVID-19 patients.

The administration also established screening posts at Pul Chowky Chakdara, Japan Pul Tauda China, Shamozo, Badwan Bridge and Mian Kaly for quick response to the outbreak of coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Adenzai TMO Shakil Hayat directed the enforcement officer, Abdul Karim, to lock down all gyms as proactive measure.

Published in Dawn, March 20th, 2020