CHENNAI: The corporation’s fiat mandating every Covid-19 positive patient, especially those above 45, to get a home quarantine certificate from a private or government service doctor is causing immese trouble to citizens.
There is fear among many of exposure to non-Covid patients at private hospitals. Several residents questioned the need to visit a doctor even if they are asymptomatic. Three such incidents were reported to TOI on Tuesday alone, where youngsters without any symptoms were forced to get a home quarantine certificate.
A senior corporation zonal official said it was true that all sanitary inspectors of city’s 200 wards have been instructed to ensure that every patient in home isolation has been evaluated by a doctor. “This is precautionary. We don’t want any kind of complications as most people may not have symptoms initially but develop later. Last year we had kept this rule only for those above 50 but this year, it’s for every positive patient,” said a local officer.
Devi R, 45, a resident of K K Nagar, had tested positive along with ger husband, 50. “My two teenage children also tested positive. But only my husband required hospitalisation. But the sanitary inspector insisted on us getting a doctor’s certificate. How is it possible for positive patients to travel alone. Isn't it unsafe and putting others at risk?” she asked.
Chintamani M, a resident of Vadapalani, went to a private hospital after the corporation’s fiat. “I waited in the lobby for almost half hour before I could consult a doctor for a certificate... it can be risky,” he said.