Seven policemen, who have taken Covid-19 vaccine, were among 324 people who tested positive in Surat on Wednesday. Additionally, an 87-year-old woman from Rander succumbed to the infection in SMIMER Hospital.

These cops were asked to remain quarantined at home. All these policemen had taken their first dose of vaccine while a few had received the second dose as well. “There is nothing to worry since it takes a few days in developing antibodies in those who got the second shot of the vaccine. Those who are found infected have mild symptoms or asymptomatic,” said a police official.

Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) officials said the highest numbers were reported from Athwa zone with 85 cases, followed by 74 in Rander and 37 in the Limbayat zone.

The deceased woman was also suffering from a kidney ailment.

Earlier on Wednesday night, SMC announced the closure of cinema halls and all other public places for an indefinite period owing to the spike in cases.

SMC has started aggressive testing to isolate infected patients. City buses converted into mobile testing centres have been deployed by the SMC in various commercial areas, to carry out testing of traders, shopkeepers and others.

Surat district too has witnessed a sharp increase in Covid-19 cases in the past few days. On Thursday, 71 cases were detected from the district, the highest was 26, in Kamrej.

Cops to crackdown on violations

The city police will intensify their drive to penalize all those found violating Covid-19 guidelines like face masks and social distancing with special focus in areas of Adajan, Rander and Athwa zones which has maximum cases. “Offence will be registered if a public gathering of people is found,” said city police commissioner, Ajay Tomar.

Tomar has asked community leaders to encourage people to follow guidelines to avoid police action.

Police have asked the commercial establishments, other than those selling essential items, to start closing their businesses by 9 p.m. so that their employees can reach home before 10 p.m. when the night curfew starts.

Tourists places in Valsad closed on the weekend.

The Valsad district has ordered that all tourist places in the district, which borders Maharashtra, will be closed for tourists on weekends and public holidays, to prevent the large gatherings. Officials said that the Holi-Dhuleti celebration will not be allowed this year and a special Covid-19 squad will pay an unannounced visit to shopping malls, shops and other places to ensure adherence to guidelines.

Source: ET Healthworld