Agra containment model: How this UP district is fighting to stop spread of coronavirus

One of the most affected districts in Uttar Pradesh, Agra has presented a model of coronavirus containment which can be replicated across the country. 

The Central Government on Saturday lauded the 'Agra model of containment' with the Health Ministry giving an entire presentation on how the local authorities controlled the spread of COVID-19 in the district.

With three fresh cases on Saturday, Agra has reported 92 COVID-19 cases.

"The total samples collected to date are 1,913. Four first time reports came negative, while two COVID-19 patients will be discharged on Saturday," District Magistrate Prabhu N Singh said.

The Union Health Ministry said 87 cases are still under watch while five have been cured. Agra was the first identified cluster in India, the ministry said during the daily press briefing on Saturday.

The Agra administration has identified hotspots which have been completely sealed till April 15. Banks and other establishments will also remain close, with restrictions on media. 

Hailing the action taken by field workers, Joint Secretary in Health Ministry, Luv Aggarwal said the action was taken at the field level by the district administration, state government and frontline workers, in coordination with the Centre. 

The district conducted detailed contact tracing of cases and epicentre and hot spots were identified on the map. Following this, 1,248 special teams were formed, who conducted a house-to-house survey of 9.3 lakh people. The survey identified 2,500 symptomatic patients, who were further monitored. As part of a coordinated effort, Agra Smart City Control Room was converted into a War Room to combat COVID-19. 

Central Helplines were established and special teams were formed. At the same time, district administration worked on the implementation of lockdown, as well as on setting up isolation and medical facilities, utilising public-private partnership, he said. 

The Agra district administration worked simultaneously on other fronts, including distribution chain management, movement of essential commodities, provision of food & shelter for homeless and needy, food distribution for animals and risk self-reporting and helpline facility for citizens. 

Out of 92 positive cases in Agra district, 5 people have recovered and 87 people are being watched in hospitals, none of whom is critical, Aggarwal said, explaining how the coordinated and systematic actions led to the success of Agra.

Hers is some more detail on the Agra containment model: