CEC, Hill Council, Leh, Advocate Tashi Gyalson reviewed the current situation of COVID-19 cases in Leh with all the stakeholders, including health, para-military, police, and district administration on April 23 at the Council Secretariat.

CMO Leh, Dr. Motup Dorjey briefed the meeting on the current scenario and the steps taken by the health department in containing COVID positive cases in the district. He apprised the officials of the alarming situation of the surge in positive cases, especially among non-local labourers inducted by the Border Road Organization in Leh. 

The district administration led by DC Leh conducted an inspection recently and found most quarantine facility centres in bad conditions.

CEC Gyalson directed concerned BRO officials to restrict the induction of non-local labourers for the time being until further notifications are out. He also impressed upon them to manage existing labourers by providing proper testing facilities and basic requirements at their concerned quarantine centres.

Medical Superintendent of SNM Hospital Leh, Dr. Nurzin informed the officials that locals, especially those arriving from outside Leh, have tested positive in large numbers in recent times. She added that the new wave is infecting youth, especially the pediatric population in the region.
Taking note of the issues, CEC and DC Leh after consultation with the medical and the police department, decided to make it mandatory for local passengers arriving at Leh airport to undergo RT-PCR test. The passengers would be in quarantine until their reports are out.

Since RT-PCR negative report is mandatory for tourists travelling to Leh, the officials decided to monitor negative RT-PCR reports at all the entry points. They decided to deport offenders immediately from the entry points and register FIR against those furnishing fake RT-PCR reports. CEC Gyalson directed concerned officials to ensure strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols at the airport and the facility quarantine centres.

CMO Leh and MS SNM apprised CEC of the status of bed capacity at SNM Hospital, the supply of oxygen at the hospitals, Covid Care Centres at all blocks, quarantine facilities, and the enforcement of village-level surveillance teams in all the villages.