19 UP cops coronavirus positive, 86 quarantined

LUCKNOW: At least 19 policemen deployed in coronavirus hotspots have tested positive for coronavirus while 86 cops have been quarantined across the state over the last week. Swiftly responding to the crisis, the police brass introduced a series of measures and turned 200 schools and college campuses into exclusive quarantine centres for cops.


While fruits are being given to cops in Agra as part of their immunity-booster diet, awareness camps are being organised in Varanasi and free health check-up camps set up in

Prayagraj

. In Kanpur, where the men in khaki are worst hit, PPE kits are being provided to policemen deployed in virus hotspots.

In Kanpur’s Anwarganj police station where nine cops tested positive for the virus, inspector general of police, Kanpur Range,

Mohit Agarwal

has launched an aggressive awareness campaign. Speaking to TOI, he said, “We have coordinated with health teams and deputed a senior officer to train cops on do’s and don’ts at hotspots. While 10 PPE kits have been distributed in each police station, cops are also being taught on their upkeep. Ten other policemen have been isolated as a precautionary move,” said Agarwal.

Similarly, senior superintendent of police, Prayagraj, Satyarth Anirudh Pankaj told TOI that seven private hospitals have been roped in for health check-up of policemen. At least 50 cops deployed at Kaundhiyara police station have been quarantined and the police station sanitised and replaced with a new team after a person in contact with a covid-19 patient visited Kaundhiyara police station.

After a cook in Agra police lines tested positive, a slew of measures were taken for safety of cops. “We ensured those working in hotspot areas are provided nutritious diet along with fruits. Drills on strict implementation of standard operating procedures during lockdown are being conducted,” said the IG, Agra Range, Satish Ganesh. In Varanasi, 16 more policemen have been quarantined at a guest house of cantonment board area.

In Lucknow, joint-commissioner of police, law and order, Naveen Arora said five schools have been taken over for isolating policemen while in Meerut zone, three private schools have been identified as quarantine hubs.