Thiruvananthapuram: ‘Break the chain’ campaign, an initiative by state’s health department to educate people about the importance of public and personal hygiene given the spread of COVID-19, has received widespread acceptance in the state capital.
The campaign designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state, through effective handwashing and use of hand sanitizers, has been witnessing commendable public participation since it was rolled out on March 16.
In Thiruvananthapuram, the state police undertook door-to-door awareness drive reminding citizens to follow the guidelines issued by the state and centre government. According to reports, officers from all police stations are part of the campaign.
At the state headquarters, even the Chief Minister and other ministers enter the Secretariat complex after sanitizing their hands as recommended. Staff have been engaged at the entrance of the secretariat to ensure that each and every person entering the complex do their part to help break the chain of transmission.
Hand sanitizers have been made available at all public places, government offices and private establishments. Besides hand sanitizers, hand wash liquids have also been provided at public places like railway stations and bus stands. Under the campaign, water taps have been installed at many public places.
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In the awareness drive, the police are focusing on points such as maintaining social distance, less interaction with people in self-isolation among others. It is also noted that parents are urged to spend the untimely vacation of their children at home rather than venturing out.
"We must follow the health guidelines. If the virus enters stage of community spread the situation will be out of control. I urge restrain and people who are advised to self-quarantine should follow the procedure," Balram Upadhyay, IG Thiruvananthapuram said.
To create awareness, a model elaborating on the hand wash techniques has been installed in front of the Corporation office to convey the importance of effectively washing hands now and then. Even as coronavirus cases are surging in many parts of the world, the Kerala government attempts to prevent the community spread of COVID-19 in the state by educating people on strictly following personal hygiene as per guidelines.
There has been an overwhelming response to ‘Break the chain’ campaign from the people of Kerala, as this precautionary measure if strictly followed, can help prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
Around 500 police officers from 22 stations across the state are joining hands with the residence associations to enhance this campaign.
