Ludhiana: In the past four days, four cops have tested positive for Covid-19. Of these, two had received the first jab against Covid-19 this month.
Commissioner of police Rakesh Agarwal said, “The department is conducting regular drives to test all cops after every two months. A few days ago, the entire force of Ludhiana commissionerate was tested at a special camp in police lines. Reports of some cops have come positive. This, however, has no link with the vaccination, as the first dose will not give immunity. Early detection and testing is the key to stop the virus spread.”
The TOI spoke to the two cops, who had received the first vaccine dose and have now contracted the virus.
ASI Joginder Singh, 46, who is posted in PCR, said he tested positive 20 days after receiving the shot against novel coronavirus.
“I was vaccinated on February 6. Since then, I had been reporting to work regularly and had no symptoms. As the Ludhiana Police is getting all cops tested, I gave my sample on February 24. Two days later, my report came positive. I am asymptomatic and in home isolation. I do not know how I contracted the virus.”
ASI Gagandeep Singh, 49, who is posted at the police lines, was vaccinated on February 15. “For the next few days, I was fine. On February 21, I had fever that continued for two days. I told my seniors about it and was tested on February 24. My report has came positive. I have no major symptoms, except for headache. I am in home isolation.”
Senior medical officer Dr Hatinder Kaur, Covid-19 nodal officer at Ludhiana civil hospital, said, “Ninety-five per cent of those vaccinated have not contracted the virus. However, five per cent are those who have got the virus by not taking enough precautions. People should know that there is no significance of only the first dose. They will develop immunity two weeks after getting the second jab. They should take precautions after the first jab.”
66.3% cops vaccinated so far
The second phase of the vaccination drive started in the city on February 3. The Ludhiana Police force comprises 4,413 personnel. According to the officials, so far, 2,927 cops have received the shot, which is 66.3% of the total force. They include cops of all ranks.
At present, the health workers are getting the second jab, 28 days after the first shot. Cops will start receiving the second dose after March 3.
Agarwal said, “In 25 days, about 3,000 cops were vaccinated. The process is going on. A few personnel—like women cops who are pregnant or are new mothers, cops with medical issues or those getting treatments for health issues —are exempted. We expect 80% of the force will be vaccinated. Cops get two days leave after receiving the vaccine and are monitored by experts.”
Challan drives
Agarwal said in view of the spike in cases, police have been directed to strictly enforce the Covid-19 guidelines. Regular drives are being conducted to challan the violators.