NAGPUR: The fresh spike in
Covid cases in Vidarbha, especially Nagpur, seemed to have gripped even the police department. On Thursday, when the city entered fourth day of stricter restrictions imposed from March 15, as many as 236 police personnel tested
positive for Covid. Out of them, 12 have been admitted to
hospital.
During the peak of the pandemic last year, around 1,670 cops had tested positive while 17 had died in the city while trying to enforce lockdown and perform related duties.
City police have already administered first dose of Covid vaccine to 6,213 and second dose to another 480. But, seven personnel have tested positive even after taking the dose.
Commissioner of police Amitesh Kumar has expressed concern over rising Covid cases among cops as the success of Covid restrictions mostly depends on the efforts taken by forces under him. Apart from the enforcements, city police are also facing stiff challenge to keep crime rate down and have undertaken special tasks of detecting past murders like Eknath Nimgade case of 2016 which had taken place several years ago.
“We are sensitive about the issue and have stocked rapid antigen test kits with the office of the zonal DCPs. Almost 2,000 antigen tests are being done for early detections and precautions. The cops who are regularly exposed to the infection while on duties are being preferred for the tests,” said the top cop.
“We are repeatedly urging the personnel to use masks, sanitizers and follow Covid norms,” he said adding the health of the personnel is being monitored on a regular basis.
Kumar said the personnel with comorbidities are being advised office or police station duties. “We are asking them to avoid getting exposed to the infection during bandobast and such duties,” he said.
Dr Sandeep Shinde, chief medical officer of the police hospital at Takli, said five medical teams have been formed for conducting tests at the police stations and other places. “The cops have been advised to take preventive medicines like Vitamic C tablets immediately and follow other guidelines,” he said.