Death rumour causes panic in Canacona
HERALD CORRESPONDENT
CANACONA, AUG 14
Panic gripped residents of Canacona on Friday, following rumours that a man had reportedly died of swine flu neighbouring Karwar district, on his return from Pune.
According to sources, the rumour began flow at about 5 pm, sending the rumours mills amok. However, reporters from Karwar confirmed late evening that there was no truth in the reported death, as Karwar Civil Hospital denied such a death.
Meanwhile, even though there is no word about swine flu infection in the southern most Canacona taluka, the fear of it striking unknowingly to someone in the area is keeping every one on tenterhooks.
According to sources, the pharmacies in the taluka reportedly do not have any N-95 masks, which people have been enquiring upon.
Sources further informed that even the normal surgical masks have reportedly disappeared from most of the pharmacy counters, while one of the pharmacies late Friday evening reported receipt of fresh stock at an enhanced rate.
Sources informed that the two-layer surgical masks are normally available at Rs 8, amid reports that the MRP was now been raised to Rs 20. However due to the sudden demand, some pharmacies are selling these masks at Rs 60 and above.
According to sources, few people wearing masks were seen alighting at KTC bus stand from buses coming from either Margao or Karwar since the couple of days.
Sources further informed that some health officials posted at Polem check post are repeatedly asking commuters or motorists whether anyone was coming from Pune or Bangalore.
Interestingly, there has been no screening of passengers alighting either at KTC bus stand or at Canacona Konkan Railway Station, where a minimum of eight trains proceeding on either way makes a halt on daily basis.
Some shopkeepers, including few chemists, were seen wearing surgical masks in Canacona on Friday.
