Authorities at the Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, some 30km from the steel city, have started medical camps and awareness drives for nearby villagers in view of the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Medical camps are being organised at both the east and west forest ranges of the sanctuary. Foresters, guards and daily wage earners are distributing handbills to inhabitants of the 80-odd villages and hamlets on dos and don’ts related to Covid-19.

A medical camp started at Asanboni in Dalma west forest range on Friday. Similar initiatives have been lined up at Kanderbera, Kathjor and Dahulbera. Medical camps held under Dalma east forest range include Koiani, Koira, Sukhlara and Bonta villages.

Government doctors and medical staff have been roped in for the camps underway at the earmarked villages forming part of the 192sqkm elephant abode.

Dinesh Chandra, Dalma range officer, said: “Blood tests and health check-ups are now a daily exercise at the medical camps. We are taking precautionary measures for the coronavirus scare. The camps will continue.”