Ggm: 646 foreign returnees advised to self-quarantine

GURUGRAM: At least 646 people, including expats and Indians who have returned to Gurugram from other countries, have been recommended by the health department to self-quarantine themselves for at least 14 days to prevent the spread of the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19).

Gurugram rapid response team has been contacting these passengers over the phone for surveillance. Since January, it has reached out to 732 people, of whom 646 should still be in selfquarantine, as per the team’s advice, with 86 others having completed the 28-day isolation without showing any symptom.

“The first 14 days are crucial and self -quarantine is important. Even over the next 14 days, travellers can contact us if they have flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, cough and cold,” said Dr

Jaswant Singh Punia, chief medical officer. Earlier this week, 71 Paytm employees and 146 employees of a trading firm were also advised to isolate themselves after a coronavirus case was reported in each of the two offices.

The Union ministry of health and family welfare on Tuesday also issued an advisory for international passengers returning to India to undergo a self-imposed quarantine for a period of 14 days from the date of their return. They have been asked to follow the guidelines issued to prevent further spread of the virus.

“We are contacting these passengers based on the report sent to us by the bureau of immigration and health ministry. We receive a list of passengers every day. We talk to them about their health condition, asking them to inform us immediately in case they exhibit a sign or symptom,” a member of the response team said.