The Delhi government on Wednesday issued a “Revised Covid Response Plan” to further strengthen the surveillance and response to coronavirus. The revised plan includes instructions for screening and surveillance of drivers, plumbers, electricians, domestic help, mechanics, people delivering essentials, etc, under the Special Surveillance Group. Simultaneously, surveillance orders have been issued for areas with isolated cases and high-risk groups.
As the number of Covid-19 cases has crossed one lakh in the national capital, SOPs have been issued for three different categories under the Delhi Revised Covid Response Plan–areas with isolated cases, high risk groups and special surveillance groups.
A) Areas with isolated cases: The District Surveillance Unit (DSU) will collect detailed information of all areas where isolated cases are occurring. Daily cluster reports, line lists and geographical mapping can be used for collecting data. For strict surveillance in the affected areas, the following will be conducted: ore and effective contact tracing, to be completed within 72 hours, house to house survey of SARI/ILI cases through Assess Corona App, listing of people under High Risk Group (HRGs) and Special Surveillance Group (SSGs) in the identified areas, strict quarantine of all primary contacts who come in contact with positive cases in the last 15 days.
B) High Risk Groups (HRGs): People over 60 years of age and suffering from co-morbidities fall under this category. Screening and medical records of HRG listing people and their direct contact will be maintained. If direct contact of HRGs is found to be corona positive, then their isolation will be arranged immediately. However, HRGs are advised not to visit health institutions. But if they visit any dispensary, hospital, maternity centre or other health facility of the Delhi government, they have to be tested under ICMR guidelines and follow the Covid Surveillance Protocol.
C) Special Surveillance Groups (SSGs): The following people come under this group: drivers of rickshaws, autos, taxis and lorries; maid and daily workers like plumbers, electricians, carpenters, mechanics etc; people supplying food and essentials like groceries, groceries, parcels and post. However, owners of shops, hospitals, restaurants, gyms, swimming pools and malls are not counted under this. People going to social gatherings, rallies and festivals are also not counted. All SSGs will be listed with the help of MCD, Transport, Police, RWA, DDA. Efforts would be made to start screening of SSGs in all districts wherever possible. It will be mandatory to cover such points where SSGs are more concentrated. If any ILI / SARI case is found, it will be dealt with as per standard health protocol. If any positive case is found in SSGs, it will be taken care of under the Covid Protocol. Their home and work place will be immediately disinfected and sanitised and the process of contact tracing and surveillance will be done. Direct contact and tracing of primary contact must be followed by 15 days of strict quarantine. Regular disinfection has to be done on a large scale by marking the place where SSGs meet. SSGs visiting any dispensary, hospital, maternity centre or other health facility of the Delhi government have to undergo tests under ICMR guidelines and follow the Covid Surveillance Protocol. SSGs who own private or commercial vehicles should be encouraged to disinfect and sanitise their vehicles and work tools regularly.