NAGPUR: The joint initiative of police and Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to enforce the Covid ‘break the chain’restrictions, put in place by state up to April 30, by conducting rapid antigen tests of violators on Saturday led to the netting of around 18 ‘super spreaders’.
All have been sent to institutional quarantine centres for 14 days after testing positive in a first-of-its-kind experimental action in the region. As per experts’ view, each super spreader could have infected around 200 persons in the city had they not been quarantined.
Civic chief Radhakrishnan said people testing negative in this drive will not be asked to do RT-PCR test as is the norm.“This drive is not meant for testing of symptomatic and contacts of positive patients. Therefore, there is no need to make RT-PCR mandatory for such people,” he said.
The cops have also taken action against 347 people for not wearing masks, 780 for violating Covid distancing and detained 491 vehicles.
After a delayed start, the joint team managed to conduct 225 antigen tests at various locations like Old Katol Naka, Automotive Chowk, Manewada and Mayo Hospital Chowk. People who could not give a valid reason for stepping out of their houses were made to undergo RAT at the spot itself. The NMC on Saturday provided five teams for conducting RAT. The number of teams will be increased from Sunday.
As per rules, citizens can move about only for emergency reasons and to avail of essential services. The unique enforcement drive was conceptualized by city police chief Amitesh Kumar and Radhakrishnan.
Kumar said those who gave samples for the antigen test “were on the road for frivolous reasons”. “This drive would continue in the coming days too. Citizens should be prepared to be sent to institutional quarantine centres if found positive,” he added.
The CP was present at the Old Katol Naka to question loiterers. “I got many tested after they gave silly excuses like going to ATM or office at 12.30 pm,” said Kumar who was accompanied by Zonal DCP Vinita S and DCP special branch Basavraj Teli.
NMC chief Radhakrishnan B told TOI that the drive will help in containing spread of the disease. “It’s shocking that many people tested positive during the RAT drive on Saturday. Testing positive in RAT means the person is carrying high infection. Yet, they were moving about in public places,” he said.
The civic body has been asking people to get tested if anyone shows symptoms. “We continue to seek people’s cooperation. High or low risk contacts of positive patients should remain at home to control the situation,” added Radhakrishnan.