Chamarajanagar is the only district with no COVID-19 cases since pandemic began

Chamarajanagar, sandwiched between several COVID-19 hotspots, has successfully kept the virus at bay owing to its highly effective containment model. Involvement of village heads and the residents are the major factors which produced this distinctive record.

Chamarajanagar: The world has heard about the Kerala model, a state which excelled in containing the spread of novel coronavirus. Perhaps the world needs to learn about this particular district in Karnataka, which has not reported even a single positive case since the pandemic swept across the country, owing to its in-depth understanding and implementation of people-centric containment model.

Chamarajanagar is sandwiched between several key hotspot areas in the south including Erode in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Nanjangud in Karnataka. It is now only second to Diu and Daman and Lakshadweep islands, which have had no positive cases yet.

The district administration here adopted various measures including sealing off its borders ever since the first case was detected in Kerala. The village heads along with the residents were roped in the prevention initiatives.

Hefty fines were imposed to prevent unwanted gatherings and even transportation of agricultural products from neighbouring states was met with strict measures. The villagers reportedly patrolled the areas and informed the police about any possible intrusions.

The migrants were also rounded up and safely escorted to quarantine centres. Akin to Kerala model, testing capacity was increased and ASHA workers were put to the task of conducting door-to-door health tests to identify possible suspects.

Besides all this, home delivery of medicines, essentials to tribals and villagers ensured self-sufficiency in handling the crisis.