Collective efforts help combat second wave in local bodies in Ernakulam

Monitoring panels, rapid response teams, and ward-level samitis play a crucial role

A well-oiled mechanism deployed by ward-level monitoring committees and rapid response teams in various local bodies helped in combating the second wave of the pandemic in Ernakulam district of Kerala, according to its participants. Kumbalanghi panchayat, which had witnessed a surge in cases, was able to bring down the spread after it formed ward-level monitoring committees and rapid response teams in 17 wards. “We formed clusters led by nodal officers in each ward to monitor the situation. Each group had 10 to 12 members, including ward members, officials of health and other departments, representatives of residents’ associations, and anganwadi and accredited social health activist [ASHA] workers,” said Leeja Thomas, president of the panchayat.