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Ranchi District Administration, UNICEF and NGOs come together to promote wearing of masks to contain spread of COVID-19

Ranchi, Jharkhand  | September  | 18, 2020 :: With the relaxation in lockdown norms and resumption of economic activities, people are now coming out of their house and spending more time in public places and markets, and often not following safe and hygiene behaviours such as wearing of masks appropriately, washing and sanitising their hands and maintaining distance.

To promote and to remind that only these three things can prevent the spread of COVID-19, the District Administration of Ranchi, UNICEF in Jharkhand, 14 locals NGOs, JSLPS and IEC cell of NHM have come together to launch a 15 day intensive community campaign in urban areas of Ranchi from 18 September to 2 October.

Under the campaign volunteers from NGOs will inform people in crowded public places and motivate them to wear their masks properly and how to dispose a used mask.

Prasanta Dash, Chief of UNICEF in Jharkhand said, ‘’It is extremely important that everyone follows safe and hygiene behaviours. Only by wearing a mask properly can we take care of ourselves and our loved ones. It is a great initiative that the District Administration along with the NGOs taken to promote appropriate usage of masks and UNICEF is very happy to collaborate. I urge that masses cooperate with volunteers who are raising awareness in crowded places. Mask is a critical preventive measure and is most essential in times when social distancing is difficult in crowded public places such as markets. Even simple cotton masks are helpful in the prevention of the spread of infection. it is important that other measures are also taken to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread which includes social distancing in crowded places, maintain staggered timings, frequent hand washing, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.’’

The campaign was inaugurated by Mr Chhavi Ranjan, Deputy Commissionaire of Ranchi. Mr Ranjan said “Proper wearing of a mask is an important behaviour which can prevent spread of COVID-19 and save us and our loved ones form this deadly infection. However, it has been observed that many people are not wearing their masks properly which is putting them and others in danger. Communication and persuasion is the key to inform people and convince them to wear mask therefore district administration, Ranchi, UNICEF and NGOs have come together to inform people at identified crowded places of Ranchi. District Administration has also issued special appeal and guidance for shopkeepers to follow lockdown guidelines. With the motivated team of volunteers, I am sure we will be able pursue people and contain spread of Covid-19 in Ranchi.”

JSLPS in this campaign will provide low cost cloth mask made by self-help groups at various places. NGOs will also play audio messages through audio vans to inform people and to spread the message.

 

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