Coimbatore district logs 118 new Covid cases, 1 death

COIMBATORE: At least 118 people tested positive for Covid-19 in the district on Saturday, taking its tally to 1,905, of which 1,169 are active cases. The toll also went up by one to 18, after a man was tested positive for the virus after his death.
Selvapuram, which emerged a cluster some 10 days ago after 34 goldsmiths contracted the virus, recorded 13 new cases.
The deputy superintendent of police (DSP)’s office in Karumathampatti was closed for fumigation after a head constable there tested positive for the virus.
A police source said the head constable was staying with his family at the police quarters at Mettupalayam. “After he developed fever and cough three days ago, DSP Balamurugan had asked him to take rest. He gave his throat swab for Covid-19 test and the result showed him positive for the virus on Saturday morning. He has been admitted to the ESI Hospital.”
A health department official said they would test the DSP and other police personnel at his office for Covid-19. “We will also test the family members of the head constable. The police quarters at Mettupalayam was disinfected on Saturday evening.”
The health officials also sealed a jewellery shop near Rakkipalayam after four of its employees tested positive for the virus. New cases were also reported from KK Pudur, Kovaipudhur, Ramanathapuram, Goundampalayam and other parts of the district.
Another source identified the deceased as an 84-year-old man. He was brought dead to the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital on Wednesday. “Samples were collected from the body and test results showed that he was infected.”
Meanwhile, 21 Covid-19 patients were discharged from the ESI hospital on Saturday.
The neighbouring Tirupur reported 24 new Covid-19 cases on Saturday. With this, the total number of cases in that district has gone up to 433, of which 217 are active cases.