VASCO: A team of directorate of health services (DHS), Panaji on Friday inspected preparations at the Dabolim international airport and the sub-district hospital at Chicalim to check for possible exposure to the deadly novel coronavirus. The team comprised director of health services Dr Jose D'Sa, State epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar and primary health centre, Cortalim, health officer Dr Succoro Quadros took stock of the situation and other arrangements like provision of protective headgear to handle any spread of coronavirus. Dr D'Sa said that the directorate of health services had set up a health desk at the Dabolim airport for the convenience of the passengers and the team watched the screening of the passengers arriving at the airport. The health desk at the Dabolim airport will be managed by Dr Succoro Quadros. The three-member also inspected the preparations at the sub-district hospital at Chicalim. Dr D'Sa said that 10-bedded isolation ward had also been set up at the sub-district hospital, Chicalim so that any suspected patient could be immediately admitted there for treatment. To a question, Dr D'Sa said that the thermal scanners facility at the airport will be supplied by the Ministry of Civil Aviation through the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. However, at present one thermal gun which was available with the port health officer will be used by the DHS doctors deployed at the airport. The Goa government has urged the Centre to provide two thermal scanners at the Dabolim international airport, he added. State epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar said that though the main isolation ward was set up at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), similar ward has also been opened at the sub-district hospital at Chicalim since it was situated close to the airport. Sub-district hospital, Chicalim, medical superintendent Dr Rajendra Borkar said that isolation wards had been set up as per the guidelines of the directorate of health services. Earlier, three isolation room were set up in the new premises and five rooms in the old premises but now 10 isolation wards have been set up in the new premises. Dr Borkar also claimed that as of now there was no fear because in Goa no positive case of coronavirus has been found. He said that FAQ (frequently asked questions) pamphlet will be distributed to the patients requesting them to take precautions. The directorate of health services will create awareness about the disease in local newspapers and media and Whatsapp groups.