FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
Panjim: Policemen from the COVID-19 affected areas might not be allowed to go home against the backdrop of cases rising among the personnel.
The outbreak at Ponda Police station is a result of cases linked to Sankhalim, two of its areas which are likely to be declared micro-containment zones.
A constable, hailing from Chief Minister Pramod Sawant’s constituency, had reported to work after attending a wedding in Sankhalim. He was amongst the first two COVID-19 positive cases at the police station. It was hereafter that the virus was transmitted to 15 other policemen including its police inspector.
“We have suggested to the Superintendents of Police to ensure that certain number of people who come from the COVID-19 affected areas should stay in the barrack of the police till the cases decline in their respective areas. However, if there is an emergency we will allow them to go home,” Inspector General of Police Jaspal Singh told Herald.
Goa Police, one of the frontline warriors against the COVID-19 pandemic, are also vulnerable to the deadly virus. Around 21 cases including 17 at Ponda police station has already come to the fore till date.
Singh, on being asked about the spread of the infection, said it is not possible for the police to remain indoors at the time of crisis including health crisis. Nevertheless, they are following all health precautions, advisories, which have been repeated to all the police stations and units in the wake of the rise in cases.
“We are facing a health crisis… Whatever measures are prescribed by the health department are being followed. It is rather impossible to keep them away from the duty. The State has to run on the strength of the police force,” he said.
With the Ponda PI also infected, the department has given the additional charge of the town to the Valpoi Police Inspector, who also refuted possibility of drawing police personnel from the other police station. “It is a big police station, there is no need for additional staff,” he added.
The COVID-19 infected policemen will resume their duty upon a COVID-19 test followed by completion of seven days of home quarantine.
Besides the guidelines by the health department, the police force has once again been advised to avoid social gathering and minimize contact with the people, unless it is an emergency.
