E-Paper
32 contacts of Ferozepur constable test negative
Despite being instructed to stay in home quarantine, the cop was reportedly spotted out and about in the village
Thirty-two of 34 primary contacts of the 27-year-old Punjab Police constable who had tested positive for the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) at Wara Bhai Ka village on April 17, including his family members, have tested negative for the infection.
While the reports of 15 of the constable’s primary contacts came negative on Sunday night, 17 others tested negative on Monday , including his 58-year-old father, 52-year-old mother, 25-year-old wife and one-year-old son. The reports of two persons are yet awaited.
Ferozepur deputy commissioner Kulwant Singh said none of the patient’s primary contacts, who are all quarantined in their respective homes, are exhibiting any symptom.The constable, who is at present, in an isolation ward at the local civil hospital is also stable.
The constable was the driver of Ludhiana assistant commissioner of police (ACP) Anil Kohli. Kohli had tested positive for the deadly virus on April 13 and he passed away on Saturday.
The constable had returned to his native village on April 14. This is the first case to be reported in the border district.
After samples of the ACP’s three gunmen and driver were sent for testing, they were sent to their respective residences in Khanna, Moga, Ferozepur and Sangrur after neighbours in Ludhiana objected to their presence.
CONSTABLE VIOLATED QUARANTINE
Though the men were instructed to stay in home quarantine, an official, pleading anonymity, said the cop was spotted out and about in his village.
“The constable was spotted riding his two-wheeler and also went to a gymnasium to workout besides visiting a village gurdwara on Thursday,”said the official.
After the constable’s diagnosis, standard operating procedure was put into effect and the village was sealed. Villagers were directed to stay inside their homes.
